'spin ball') is a creation of the nationalist, radio broadcaster and sports reporter Rui Carvalho, in 1972, at a time when the Angolan championship was still officially called "Campeonato do Estado Ultramarino de Angola".

The name "Girabola" differentiated the competition from the other overseas provinces and was a subtle form of anti-colonial protest.

In 1980 the competition was contested by the thirteen teams best classified in the previous season, plus Sagrada Esperança, benefiting from the division of the Lundas into north and south.

[5] In January 2016, Angolan subscription TV satellite and cable provider ZAP, the Angolan Football Federation and the Girabola clubs, signed a three-year deal in which ZAP will have broadcast rights over all Girabola matches.

As part of the deal, the Angolan state-owned TV station TPA will be allowed to broadcast one game per week on its free-view platform.