Former President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a minority owner and strategic partner.
The league announced that President Obama would use his new equity stake in NBA Africa to expand the Obama Foundation’s youth and leadership programs across the continent. As a strategic partner, Obama “will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion,” the NBA said in a press release.
“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,” Obama said.
In May, the NBA launched its Africa entity, which oversees the Basketball Africa League. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said it’s valued at nearly $1 billion with investors like Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Hill, and Junior Bridgeman.
Victor Williams, the CEO of NBA Africa, hopes to establish corporate partnerships and media rights and offer support to local governments who agree to build new arenas for the BAL’s expansion.
The BAL currently includes 12 teams and broadcasts league games in 215 countries and territories.
“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,” Obama said in a press release.
