Wes Edens on the investment case for basketball in Africa

The potential for sports on the continent to turn into the next foreign direct investments pull has been highlighted by the success of the basketball Africa League. But what will it take for more sports investments to come to the continent? CNBC Africa caught up with the co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team and Aston Villa English Premier League Club, Wes Edens, for more insights. Edens, known for his investments in various industries, shared his thoughts on the investment case for basketball in Africa and the future prospects of sports on the continent. One of the key points Edens touched upon was the development and competition at the core of sports investments. Drawing parallels to the G League in the United States, he emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents and providing them with opportunities to grow and excel in the sports industry. Edens highlighted the competitive nature and skill level of players in the Basketball Africa League, foreseeing the rise of young African talents making a mark both in the league and potentially in the NBA. As the continent boasts a large, youthful population filled with talent, Edens sees sports as a unifying force that can empower the youth and drive economic development. He noted the shift from resource-based economies to investing in the people of Africa, highlighting the potential for sports to play a significant role in shaping the continent's future. Edens also discussed the economic models and infrastructure challenges that come with sports investments in Africa. With diverse markets and varying sizes of economies, he acknowledged the need for regional organizations and innovative approaches to maximize profits and viewership. The discussion extended to the emerging trend of esports, where Edens sees a growing market potential. Drawing from his experiences in investing in the NBA and esports, Edens emphasized the importance of identifying and backing future trends in the sports industry. He noted the significance of infrastructure in enabling sports growth, both in physical arenas and digital platforms. Looking ahead, Edens expressed openness to further involvement in esports growth on the continent, highlighting the importance of infrastructure development as a key factor in expanding the reach and popularity of sports, both traditional and emerging, in Africa.