JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA AND WASHINGTON, D.C., – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that former President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner.
In this role, President Obama will support the league’s social responsibility initiatives throughout the continent, including programs and partnerships aimed at promoting gender equality and economic inclusion. Additionally, President Obama will hold a minority equity stake in the venture, with plans to leverage this investment 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,” said President Barack Obama. “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.”
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NBA Africa oversees the league’s operations across the continent, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which held its inaugural season in May, featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries. NBA Africa’s strategic focus includes expanding the NBA’s presence in key African markets, strengthening engagement with players and fans, and supporting the development of Africa’s basketball ecosystem through initiatives such as Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa, and NBA Academy Africa. Additionally, NBA Africa has implemented several social responsibility programs aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence, promoting girls’ education, and enhancing the livelihoods of African youth and families.
“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,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “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.”
Strategic investors in NBA Africa include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group, as well as Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Co-CEO Tope Lawani. Additional investors in NBA Africa comprise NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill, Ian Mahinmi (France; with connections to Benin), Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Joakim Noah (with ties to Cameroon).
“We have ambitious growth plans for NBA Africa and having President Obama join our efforts is a recognition that through sport, Africa can take its rightful place on the world stage,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “We look forward to working with President Obama and our strategic investors to use basketball as an economic growth engine across the continent and as a platform to improve the health and wellness of one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.”
The NBA has a long-established presence in Africa, with its African headquarters opening in Johannesburg in 2010. Since then, the league has focused on expanding access to basketball and the NBA through initiatives related to social responsibility, grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, the NBA Africa Games, the establishment of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and other efforts.
The inaugural BAL season was broadcast to audiences in 215 countries and territories across 15 languages. On Sunday, May 30, Zamalek of Egypt defeated US Monastir of Tunisia with a score of 76-63 to become the first BAL champions.
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