Former President Barack Obama has become a strategic partner and owns a minority share of NBA Africa.

Established to oversee the NBA’s (The National Basketball Association) business activities on the continent, NBA Africa includes the BAL (Basketball Africa League): a partnership between the NBA and the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America. President Obama will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across Africa, including partnerships and programs that support gender equality and economic inclusion. He will also own a minority equity stake in the deal, which he plans on using to fund the Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.

President Obama advised the following, by way of NBA:

“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.”

“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.  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.  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.”

NBA Africa plans on expanding the NBA’s presence in African markets, strengthening the league’s player-fan engagement across the continent, and growing Africa’s basketball presence through programs like the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa, and the NBA Academy Africa. NBA Africa will also raise awareness on gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and improving the livelihoods of the youth and families of Africa.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: New York Post

Former US President Obama Joins NBA Africa as Minority Owner and Adviser. VOA. (2021, July 29). https://www.voanews.com/usa/former-us-president-obama-joins-nba-africa-minority-owner-and-adviser. 

Former President Barack Obama joins NBA Africa as strategic partner. NBA. (2021, July 27). https://www.nba.com/news/former-president-barack-obama-joins-nba-africa-as-strategic-partner. 

NBA forms new Africa entity and partners with strategic investors. NBA Communications. (2021, May 24). https://pr.nba.com/nba-africa-formation/.