Former President Barack Obama is lending his support to one of his favorite pastimes by helping the NBA and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) launch a new league in Africa to grow the game across the continent.
“I’ve always loved basketball because it’s about building a team that’s equal to more than the sum of its parts. Glad to see this expansion into Africa because for a rising continent, this can be about a lot more than what happens on the court,” Mr. Obama tweeted on Saturday.
The NBA and FIBA announced Saturday the launch of a new Basketball Africa League (BAL). NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Mr. Obama expressed an interest in getting involved and will have a direct role with the league, according to The Associated Press. The details of his involvement are still to be determined.
In a video from the NBA featuring the accomplishments of African basketball players and the NBA’s efforts in the region, Mr. Obama is seen delivering remarks to young athletes.
