President Obama Joins NBA Africa As Investor, Partner To Support Growth
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 09:36PM By Barry Janoff
July 27, 2021: With its inaugural Basketball Africa League deemed a success following a year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA and its partners are preparing for the BAL’s sophomore campaign with plans to engage more markets, fans and social issues across the continent.
The NBA said today that President Barack Obama, who has been a staunch supporter from the outset, has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner.
NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League, which held its inaugural season in May featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries.
The venture is 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, President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture, “which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.”
“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States — using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” President Obama said via the NBA.
“By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.”
Strategic investors in NBA Africa also include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group; and Helios Fairfax Partners Corp., led by co-CEO Tope Lawani.
Additional investors in NBA Africa include former NBA veterans Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng, Grant Hill, Ian Mahinmi, Dikembe Mutombo and Joakim Noah.
The NBA said NBA Africa is “focused on expanding the NBA’s presence in priority African markets, deepening the league’s engagement with players and fans across the continent, and continuing to grow Africa’s basketball ecosystem through programs like the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders Africa and NBA Academy Africa.”
In addition, NBA Africa has launched several social responsibility initiatives aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and improving the livelihoods of African youth and families.
I’ve been impressed by the league’s commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities,” said President Obama.
“That’s why I’m proud to join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the youth of so many countries.”
“We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Said via the league.
“In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports. NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”
The inaugural BAL season was broadcast to people in 215 countries and territories in 15 languages.
Photo courtesy NBA
NBA Building Business Platform In Aftica
Back to Home Page