With Investors Mutombo, Hill, NBA Builds Hoops, Business Presence In Africa
Monday, May 24, 2021 at 03:36PM NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
May 24, 2021: Led by Africa-based businessmen and investors — as well as a group including former hoops stars Dikembe Mutombo, Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng, Grant Hill and Joakim Noah — the NBA today unveiled the formation of NBA Africa, which will conduct the league’s business in Africa.
The venture includes Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and is the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America.
According to the NBA and FIBA, “The funding will contribute to the growth of the BAL, help expand the NBA’s presence in priority African markets and Africa’s basketball ecosystem, and deepen the league’s engagement with players and fans through initiatives such as the launch of additional NBA Academies and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families.”
That includes gender equality and economic inclusion efforts that the NBA and BAL unveiled in March.
“Today’s announcement is the result of many years of investment and on-the-ground work to grow the game of basketball in Africa and a recognition of the enormous opportunities ahead for the NBA on the continent,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said via the league.
“We believe that basketball can become a top sport across Africa over the next decade, and I look forward to working closely with our investors to make that goal a reality.”
The NBA opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010. Since then, its efforts in Africa “have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games and the launch of the BAL.”
Strategic investors include Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group; and Helios Fairfax Partners Corp., led by Tope Lawani.
“This is a historic day for basketball in Africa, and I’m honored to join this special group of leaders who are committed to the continent and to using the game to improve people’s lives,” Mutombo, a global NBA ambassador, said via BAL.
“I’m fortunate to have been among the first players from Africa to make an impact in the NBA, and because of the commitment of these individuals, countless more players will have the opportunity to follow in my footsteps in the years ahead.”
The inaugural BAL season, featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries, will hold the BAL Finals on May 30 (NBA TV).
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