<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="740" height="416" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106917759-1627423812530-gettyimages-494579678-GDF_0226.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-410691" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106917759-1627423812530-gettyimages-494579678-GDF_0226.jpeg 740w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106917759-1627423812530-gettyimages-494579678-GDF_0226-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106917759-1627423812530-gettyimages-494579678-GDF_0226-140x80.jpeg 140w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><figcaption>U.S. President Barack Obama attends the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 27, 2015 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Gary Dineen | National Basketball Association | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Former President Barack Obama has become a strategic partner and minority owner in the National Basketball Association’s Africa business, which oversees the Basketball Africa League.



The NBA launched its Africa entity in May and values the business as a nearly $1 billion venture. NBA Africa oversees the BAL, which held its inaugural season last May, and has investors including Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Hill and Junior Bridgeman. The league said Obama would use his stake in NBA Africa to fund the Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.



Terms of Obama’s equity stake were not disclosed.



Under the leadership of CEO Victor Williams, NBA Africa wants to establish corporate partnerships, expand content and media rights, and support local governments seeking to build new basketball arenas. The BAL includes 12 teams, and league games air in 215 countries and territories, and the NBA envisions basketball being a top sport throughout Africa in 10 years.



Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/former-president-barack-obama-joins-nba-africa-as-strategic-partner/">Former President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa as Strategic Partner</a>



Currently, 55 players who are either from Africa or whose parents are native Africans play in the NBA. Team owners view the BAL as a way to scout and develop talent throughout the rapidly growing continent and another route to expand its global appeal. Sports betting partners could also test new technologies in the league.



Nigeria-based industrial group Yinka Folawiyo Group and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation, an investment holding company that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HFPC,” are investors in NBA Africa, alongside former NBA players Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are also investors. In addition, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum have board seats.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="740" height="416" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106887249-1621862722565-gettyimages-1232959942-SPRWANDA-KIGALI-BASKETBALL_AFRICA_LEAGUE-INAUGURAL_SEASON.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-410692" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106887249-1621862722565-gettyimages-1232959942-SPRWANDA-KIGALI-BASKETBALL_AFRICA_LEAGUE-INAUGURAL_SEASON.jpeg 740w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106887249-1621862722565-gettyimages-1232959942-SPRWANDA-KIGALI-BASKETBALL_AFRICA_LEAGUE-INAUGURAL_SEASON-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/106887249-1621862722565-gettyimages-1232959942-SPRWANDA-KIGALI-BASKETBALL_AFRICA_LEAGUE-INAUGURAL_SEASON-140x80.jpeg 140w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><figcaption>Benjamin Chukwukelo Uzoh 2nd R of Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria vies with Wilson Nshobozwa of Patriots Rwanda during the opening game of the the inaugural Basketball Africa League BAL in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda, May 16, 2021. Cyril Ndegeya | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



“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 Obama in a statement. “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.”



Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/nba-lures-players-and-investors-to-form-africa-business-entity-valued-at-nearly-1-billion/">NBA lures players and investors to form Africa business entity valued at nearly $1 billion</a>



Obama praised the NBA’s “commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities.”



“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,” added Silver via statement. “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.”

106917759-1627423812530-gettyimages-494579678-GDF_0226

Former President Barack Obama is now a minority owner in NBA’s Africa business

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-820x547.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-410664" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-820x547.jpeg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-120x80.jpeg 120w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1153321722.jpeg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>TORONTO, ONTARIO &#8211; JUNE 02: Former President of the United States, Barack Obama waves to the crowd during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) today announced that former <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/former-president-barack-obama-joins-nba-africa-as-strategic-partner">President Barack Obama</a> has joined NBA Africa (https://on.nba.com/3eZjcuX) as a strategic partner.



President 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.&nbsp; In this capacity, President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture, which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.



NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the&nbsp;Basketball Africa League&nbsp;(BAL) (www.theBAL.com), which held its&nbsp;inaugural season (https://on.nba.com/3rBynjl)&nbsp;in May featuring 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries.&nbsp; NBA Africa is focused on expanding the NBA’s presence in priority African markets, deepening the league’s engagement with players and fans across the continent, and continuing to grow Africa’s basketball ecosystem through programs like&nbsp;the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa and NBA Academy Africa.&nbsp; In addition, NBA Africa has launched several&nbsp;social responsibility initiatives (https://on.nba.com/2UMLuCp)&nbsp;aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence, supporting girls’ education, and improving the livelihoods of African youth and families.



“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.&nbsp; “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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.”



“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.&nbsp; “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.&nbsp; NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”



“We have ambitious growth plans for <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/2021/nba-lures-players-and-investors-to-form-africa-business-entity-valued-at-nearly-1-billion/">NBA Africa</a> 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.”



Strategic investors in NBA Africa include a consortium led by Babatunde “Tunde” Folawiyo, Chairman and CEO of Yinka Folawiyo Group, and Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation (HFP), led by Co-CEO Tope Lawani.&nbsp; Additional investors in NBA Africa include NBA Legends Junior Bridgeman, Luol Deng (South Sudan), Grant Hill, Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin), Dikembe Mutombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Joakim Noah (ties to Cameroon).



The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010.&nbsp; Since then, the league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through social responsibility, grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, the launch of the BAL, and more.



The inaugural BAL season was broadcast to fans in 215 countries and territories in 15 languages.&nbsp; On Sunday, May 30,&nbsp;Zamalek (Egypt) defeated US Monastir (Tunisia) 76-63 to win the first BAL Championship.&nbsp; Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.



Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

2019 NBA Finals – Game Two

Former President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa as Strategic Partner

(adds details, quotes)
TOKYO, July 18 (Reuters) &#8211; South Africa have confirmed three positive COVID-19 cases in their soccer squad for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, including players Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
Video Analyst Mario Masha also tested positive on arrival in Tokyo as the team prepares to face hosts Japan on Thursday.
&#8220;We have three positive cases of COVID-19 in the camp here, two players and an official,&#8221; team manager Mxolisi Sibam said in a media release from the South African Football Association on Sunday.
&#8220;There is daily screening&#8230;.Masha and Monyane reported high temperatures and positive saliva tests, and were then taken to do the nasal test&#8230;and they unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. Mahlatsi is the latest player to go through the same process.&#8221;
He said as a result, the team has been quarantined until cleared to train, waiting for results from tests earlier on Sunday.
&#8220;This unfortunate situation has made us miss our first intensive training session last night.&#8221;
Mexico and France are also in South Africa&#8217;s first round group. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by David Dolan, Kirsten Donovan)
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Click For Restrictions &#8211; https://agency.reuters.com/en/copyright.html
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

UPDATE 1-Olympics-South Africa soccer team report three COVID-19 cases

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="461" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216-820x461.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-409309" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216-820x461.jpeg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216-140x80.jpeg 140w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1312965216.jpeg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>IMOLA, ITALY &#8211; APRIL 17: Pole position qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP talks with second place qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on April 17, 2021 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Dan Istitene &#8211; Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) &#8211; A commission set up by Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to help boost the number of Black people in British motorsport published its report on Tuesday with 10 recommendations for change and some damning insights into the industry.



The report, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, found that none of the seven British-based Formula One teams or 4,000 UK motorsport companies had ethnicity data for employees.



An estimate, however, suggested that only 1% of the 40,000 strong workforce was Black.



Rhys Morgan, director at the Royal Academy, told reporters the research also found examples of &#8220;quite horrible racist comments&#8221;, which he said were waved away as &#8216;banter&#8217;.



One Formula One engineer said he had experienced jokes about Black people, afro combs, fried chicken, crime rates and poverty in Africa while a Black female race marshal spoke of people addressing her in a Jamaican accent.



The commission found a number of barriers to diversity, including hiring from a select group of top universities, the rural locations of teams and systemic under-achievement in schools.



There was also a feeling among Black students that motorsport was not for them, while a cost cap introduced this season created a potential barrier for taking on more apprentices.



Recommendations include asking Formula One teams to implement a diversity and inclusion charter for motorsport and possible cost cap exemptions for taking on staff from Black backgrounds.



&#8220;A lot of the teams are responsive on this,&#8221; said Morgan. &#8220;We are keen to explore that further with the FIA and Formula One.&#8221;



The report, released in the week of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, proposed the establishment of a fund to develop programmes to address the factors contributing to high school exclusion rates among students from Black backgrounds.



It also suggested the piloting of new approaches to increase the number of Black teachers in subjects leading to careers in engineering and the creation of scholarship programmes.



Hamilton, the sport&#8217;s sole Black driver who was expelled from school as a youngster, hoped the report would start &#8220;a ripple effect&#8221; for change and saw it as a big part of his motorsport legacy.



&#8220;I would be like to be remembered for much more than just winning championships, which of course is an amazing thing on its own, but actually helping people and changing the industry and the viewpoints,&#8221; he said.



&#8220;We all bleed the same. There&#8217;s just no reason why it shouldn’t be as diverse as the world around us. If I am able to somehow shift the needle &#8230; that&#8217;s what I&#8217;m working towards.&#8221;



Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali hailed a &#8220;comprehensive and impressive&#8221; report.



&#8220;We will take the time to read and reflect on all of the findings, but we completely agree that we need to increase diversity across the sport,&#8221; he said. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Richard Pullin)



(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Click For Restrictions &#8211; https://agency.reuters.com/en/copyright.html

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Former President Barack Obama is now a minority owner in NBA’s Africa business

Former President Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa as Strategic Partner

UPDATE 1-Olympics-South Africa soccer team report three COVID-19 cases

Motor racing-Hamilton commission recommends actions for a more diverse F1

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Former President Barack Obama is now a minority owner in NBA’s Africa business

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