Africa Investment Forum: NBA’s Mark Tatum on the upcoming launch of Basketball Africa League

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to bring the game to the African continent with the upcoming launch of the Basketball Africa League in March 2020. The announcement was made back in February, and the NBA is now actively engaging with various stakeholders to promote not only the league but basketball in general across the continent. Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer of the NBA, spoke to CNBC Africa's Kopano Gumbi at the Africa Investment Forum in Sandton to shed light on the operationalization of basketball in Africa. Tatum emphasized that starting a league on the continent is a significant step for the NBA, making Africa the only region outside of North America where such an initiative is taking place. The league will kick off with 12 teams competing in seven different cities in its inaugural season. Tatum highlighted the growing presence of African talent in the NBA, with nearly 10% of all league players having African roots. This percentage continues to rise, showcasing the abundance of basketball talent on the continent. The league is expected to run from March to May, with games spread across six cities during the regular season and the final four teams competing in Kigali, Rwanda at a newly constructed 10,000-seat arena. In addition to the league itself, Tatum discussed the importance of building infrastructure to support basketball growth in Africa. Through partnerships, the NBA aims to develop arenas and facilities that not only cater to the sporting events but also stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas. Tatum emphasized that sports, particularly basketball, has a significant economic impact, generating opportunities for commercial development, job creation, and overall economic growth. Looking ahead to the future, Tatum expressed his hopes for a successful inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League and further expansion of the league in the coming years. He also mentioned ambitions for increased investments in arenas and infrastructure across the continent, setting the stage for continued growth and development of basketball in Africa. The NBA's commitment to bringing the Basketball Africa League to life signals a new era for the sport on the continent, offering opportunities for players, fans, and businesses to engage with basketball in a meaningful way. With a focus on talent, infrastructure, and economic development, the league is poised to make a lasting impact on African basketball and the communities it reaches.