It’s not a secret that former president Barack Obama fancies himself as an NBA fan. That became more than clear during his eight-year stint as the leader of the free world.
Obama is now taking a role with the NBA during the retirement portion of his life. The league announced on Tuesday that Obama has joined NBA Africa as a “strategic partner and minority owner.”
“President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture (NBA Africa), which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa,” the Association announced in a press release.
As for the former president, he had this to say about the partnership.
“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,” Barack Obama said in a statement, via ESPN. “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.”
Back in 2019, the NBA formed the Basketball Africa League (BAL). After being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league held its inaugural season back in May with 12 teams from 12 different African countries taking part.
Obama will be heavily involved in said league with a broader focus on social responsibility, gender equality and economic inclusion.