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BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall on how sport is driving economics on the continent
The Basketball Africa League (FIBA) announced cities in Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Angola, Morocco and Tunisia as the host and the host city for the first-ever BAL Final Four and BAL Final will be Kigali. Additionally, Nike and Jordan Brand will be the exclusive outfitter of the new professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa and scheduled to begin play in March 2020. Amadou Gallo Fall, Basketball Africa League President, joins CNBC Africa for more.
Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:50:14 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 logo symbolizes Africa's diversity and heritage, with a focus on youth development and economic growth through sports.
- The selection of host cities for the league's regular season was based on African basketball rankings, showcasing inclusivity and diversity.
- Partnerships with Nike and Jordan Brand highlight the league's commitment to excellence and visibility, with potential collaborations with broadcast partners and local authorities to further enhance the league's reach.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a new professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa, is set to make a significant impact on the continent's economy and youth development. The league, which is scheduled to begin play in March 2020, recently unveiled its logo in a historic event at Kigali, Rwanda. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall highlighted the key aspects of the league and its potential impact.
The logo of the Basketball Africa League symbolizes the rich diversity and heritage of Africa, with a focus on youth development and sports as a driver of economic growth. Fall emphasized that the league's footprint across the continent will celebrate Africa's cultural richness and the dynamic nature of the game of basketball. By hosting games in cities like Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Angola, Morocco, Tunisia, and the final four in Kigali, the league aims to promote tourism, create economic opportunities, and engage a global audience.
One of the key points highlighted by Fall is the significance of youth development through sports. The league will not only provide a platform for showcasing talent, but also offer a complete pathway for young players to groom their skills. Programs like the Junior NBA and NBA Academy have already been instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent, and the Basketball Africa League will further enhance these efforts by creating more opportunities for African players to excel.
The selection of host cities for the league's regular season was based on the basketball rankings in Africa, with countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco automatically qualifying for the BAL. Fall mentioned that 35 teams from 35 countries participated in the qualifiers, showcasing the widespread interest and enthusiasm for the league. By providing opportunities for teams from various African nations to participate, the BAL aims to make basketball a truly continental sport.
Partnerships and brand endorsements have also been a crucial aspect of the league's growth. Fall announced major partnerships with Nike and Jordan Brand as the exclusive outfitters of the BAL teams. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with broadcast partners and local authorities to further enhance the league's visibility and reach. These collaborations are expected to bring mutual benefits to all parties involved and contribute to the league's overall success.
In conclusion, the Basketball Africa League represents a significant milestone for basketball on the continent. By creating a platform for African talent to shine, fostering youth development, and driving economic growth through sports, the BAL is poised to make a lasting impact on the African sports landscape. With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and excellence, the league is set to become a beacon of hope and opportunity for young basketball players across the continent.
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