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How basketball bodies are creating sporting opportunities for Africa’s youth
This year, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced the plan to launch the Basketball Africa League. The competition will start next year in January with 12 teams from 12 countries across the continent. On how youth will benefit from this, CNBC Africa’s Zwena Bachoo spoke to NBA Vice President and Director Manager for Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall.
Fri, 11 Oct 2019 15:24:09 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The BAL provides a structured pathway for young African players to develop their skills, compete professionally, and earn a living playing basketball locally.
- Investing in sports, particularly basketball, can have wide-ranging benefits for Africa's economy and global sports industry.
- The significant investment in the BAL demonstrates a long-term commitment to the growth and development of basketball in Africa, focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and collaboration with national federations.
The launch of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in January next year promises to be a game-changer for the continent's sporting landscape. The collaboration between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) aims to provide unprecedented opportunities for Africa's youth to pursue their basketball dreams within their own communities. In a recent interview with NBA Vice President and Director Manager for Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall, the potential impact of the BAL on the continent's youth was discussed at length. The key theme of the conversation revolved around creating a pathway for young African players to develop their skills, compete professionally, and ultimately showcase their talent on a global stage. Here are the key points highlighted in the interview:
1. Empowering African Youth Through Basketball: The success of African athletes in the NBA, such as Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid, has already inspired a generation of young players on the continent. The BAL will now provide a structured pathway for aspiring basketball talents to train, compete, and potentially earn a living playing the sport locally. The establishment of the NBA Academy Africa and the launch of the BAL are significant steps towards nurturing homegrown talent and showcasing African excellence in the basketball world.
2. Building a Sustainable Sports Industry: Investing in sports, especially basketball, can have far-reaching benefits for a country and the continent as a whole. The sports and entertainment industry generates trillions of dollars globally, offering Africa an opportunity to tap into its vast talent pool and contribute to the industry's growth. By localizing development initiatives, building infrastructure, and promoting expertise within the continent, the BAL aims to change the narrative that young African talent must go abroad for opportunities. The goal is to cultivate a thriving sports industry in Africa that can compete on a global scale.
3. Commitment to Long-Term Growth: The significant investment made by the NBA and its partners in the development of the BAL underscores their commitment to the long-term growth of basketball in Africa. By working closely with FIBA and national federations, the aim is to enhance the administration, infrastructure, and overall quality of the sport on the continent. This collaborative approach seeks to create a sustainable framework that will not only benefit current players but also future generations of African basketball stars.
In conclusion, the launch of the Basketball Africa League represents a significant milestone in the empowerment and development of African youth through basketball. By providing a platform for players to hone their skills, compete professionally, and gain exposure on the global stage, the BAL is poised to transform the sporting landscape of the continent. With a strong emphasis on local talent development, infrastructure building, and long-term investment, the future looks bright for African basketball and its aspiring young athletes.
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