The National Basketball Association (NBA) on Monday, May 24, announced the formation of NBA Africa, a new entity that will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the newly launched Basketball Africa League (BAL). NBA says the development is expected to 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. It says the new platform will help create “additional NBA Academies and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families, including gender equality and economic inclusion efforts that the NBA and BAL announced in March”. According to NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, the formation of the new entity aligns with the existing vision of further developing the game of basketball on the continent. “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 recognition of the enormous opportunities ahead for the NBA on the continent,” he said in a statement. He added: “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.” Victor Williams, NBA Africa chief executive, described the new initiative as a “milestone” “The successful formation and funding of NBA Africa as a standalone entity is indicative of the rich history of the NBA in Africa, the power of the NBA’s vision for the growth of the game on the continent, and the strong commitment by our outstanding new partners to support that vision,” he said in the statement. Williams commended the NBA Africa team led, for the last decade, by Amadou Gallo Fall and John Manyo-Plange, “for the work they have done to lay the foundation for the game on the continent which has made this milestone possible.” On his part, NBA Global Ambassador and NBA Africa investor Dikembe Mutombo said that NBA Africa will pave the way for professional players to positively impact the continent. “This is a historic day for basketball in Africa. I’m fortunate to have been among the first players from Africa to make an impact in the NBA… countless more players will have the opportunity to follow in my footsteps in the years ahead,” he said.
