News

Adam Silver Launches NBA Africa Business

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the formation of a new business investment entity called NBA Africa on Monday. NBA Africa includes investments from former NBA stars and legends.


The newly formed NBA Africa will be doing business endeavors in Africa, including the new Basketball Africa League (BAL). Amongst the investors include NBA Hall of Famers Dikembe Mutombo and Grant Hill. Other investors include two Nigerian businessmen.

The league hopes that the funding will contribute towards the growth of the BAL and help the league expands its markets and influences in Africa. The league also hopes to increase the interaction with players and fans through initiatives such as the launch of NBA academies and social responsibility initiatives. Furthermore, the NBA Africa hopes to join the BAL’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of African youth and families, gender equality and economic inclusion efforts.

“With the expertise, resources and shared vision, the immensely successful investors and NBA legends, we believe that basketball in Africa can become a top sport over the next decade,” Silver said during a virtual news conference.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Alongside Mutombo and Hill, former NBA players Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are also investors. African investors include businessman Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group and the Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation, led by co-CEO Tope Lawani.

“There is nothing more important to me than helping young people grow into leaders,” Mutombo said during the news conference. “And the NBA has helped me and many other Africans create an incredible platform to make a difference. Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, and Africa youth just need the opportunity and support to achieve great things. The new NBA Africa is the transformative next step to do just that.”

Allan Perez

Recent Posts

Stan Van Gundy Calls Out Knicks Fans — But the Numbers Tell a Different Story

Blunt and unfiltered, former NBA head coach and current TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy always…

22 hours ago

Kevin Durant Trade To Houston Rockets Grows More Likely As Both Sides Have ‘Level Of Mutual Interest’

Superstar Kevin Durant's time as a Phoenix Sun is almost certainly done. Analysts would be…

22 hours ago

Roger Goodell: NFL And Players Want Olympic Flag Football – But Owners Object

Although it's been under a year since the 2024 Olympics, the NFL is already starting…

1 day ago

Defying His Many Critics, Browns’ QB Deshaun Watson Makes Statement Of Confidence: ‘I’ll Be Back Way Better Than Before’

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has received much criticism on the field since his trade…

1 day ago

Fencer Stephanie Turner, Who Took a Knee Against Transgender Opponent, Invited to Testify Before Congress By GOP

Stephanie Turner, 31, was disqualified from a fencing match after taking a knee, refusing to…

1 day ago

Jalen Ramsey & Dolphins Mutually Agree To Seek Trade Options

Just two years after signing Jalen Ramsey to a three-year, $72 million extension, the Miami…

2 days ago