Special to NYSportsJournalism.com
May 26, 2017: As part of its plan to increase awareness of and interaction with basketball worldwide, the NBA via its Global Games platform is planning to have a significant presence in Johannesburg, South Africa, when the NBA Africa Game 2017 and surrounding events hit the area in August.
That includes what the NBA called a record number of marketing partners, who intend to make an impact not just during the league’s event but long-term.
Official partners of NBA Africa Game 2017 include Kwesé Sports, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, Castle Lite, General Electric, Solektra International, Marriott International and 947.
The game, the second-ever NBA game in Africa, is scheduled for Aug. 5 in the 20,000-seat Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. The first was on Aug. 1, 2015, also in Johannesburg.
"Basketball is witnessing explosive growth in Africa," Adam Silver, commissioner for the NBA, said in a statement. “Our return to Johannesburg this summer is part of the league’s continued commitment to bring the authentic NBA experience to fans around the world.
“I would like to thank the National Basketball Players Assn. for their participation and for being terrific partners on this game and surrounding events,” said Silver.
NBA Africa Game 2017 will take place following the 15th edition of Basketball without Borders Africa.
It will feature a Team Africa vs Team World format and will be played in support of UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa.
The game will air live in sub-Saharan Africa on Kwesé’s TV, internet and mobile platforms, including Kwesé Free Sports, Kwesé Sports, select free-to-air channels, Kwesesports.com, and the Kwesé app.
"These like-minded partners share our mission to improve the lives of young people and will work with us to amplify the impact of basketball throughout Africa."
Team Africa is scheduled to include Bismack Biyombo (Orlando Magic; Democratic Republic of Congo) and Emmanuel Mudiay (Denver Nuggets; Democratic Republic of Congo), as well as other players from Africa and second-generation African players.
Team World, which currently includes CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers), will feature players from around the world.
The NBA said that a full rosters of players, coaches and NBA greats, along with ticket information, would be unveiled at a later date.
According to Amadou Gallo Fall, NBA vice president and managing director for Africa, “This blue-chip roster of partners for the second NBA Africa Game is a testament to the growth of basketball and the NBA brand across the continent.
"These like-minded partners also share our mission to improve the lives of young people and will work with us to amplify the impact of the game of basketball throughout Africa," he said.
"Kwesé Sports is the exclusive home of basketball in sub-Saharan Africa, and we are excited to once again partner with the NBA on this game," Joseph Hundah, Econet Media president and CEO, said in a statement.
"Sports are important for development on the continent, and access is a critical aspect of growing sports in Africa. Our pan-African broadcast capability delivered across our various broadcast and mobile platforms extends the reach of basketball, exposing more fans to the beautiful game," said Hundah.
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