BAL: Former US President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa As Strategic Partner

BAL: Former US President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa As Strategic Partner By Sampson Adedeji The National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed that former United States of America President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner, BSNSports.com.ng can reports. President Obama will contribute to the league's social responsibility efforts on the continent, including through programs and partnerships supporting gender equality and economic inclusion. In this capacity, President Obama will own a minority stake in the new company. NBA Africa manages the league's activities in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) whose inaugural season took place last May with the participation of 12 of the best club teams from 12 African countries. NBA Africa is working to strengthen the NBA's presence in priority African markets, thereby consolidating the league's commitment to players and fans across the continent, while continuing to develop the basketball ecosystem by Africa through programs such as the NBA Jr., Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa and the NBA Academy Africa. In addition, NBA Africa has launched several social responsibility initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of African youth and families. “By using this sport to forge deeper connections across the world, the NBA has always been an ambassador of choice for the United States, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, good- being, equality and empowerment across the continent, ” said President Barack Obama. “By investing in diverse communities, promoting gender equality and transmitting the love of basketball, I am convinced that NBA Africa can be a game-changer for many young Africans. "I was impressed by the league's commitment to Africa, especially the leadership shown by several African players who want to contribute to their countries and communities. "This is why I am proud to join the NBA Africa team and look forward to contributing to a partnership that will benefit young people in many countries," he concluded.