Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, made public that the NBA is forming a new business deal with NBA Africa. This announcement on Monday morning described Silver’s and the NBA’s motive to bring a new level to the professional basketball league of Africa.

The NBA today announced the formation of NBA Africa, a new entity that will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League.

More ➡️ https://t.co/6NX21CGRq2 pic.twitter.com/jPM0jJ4gGY

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 24, 2021

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) will be funded by two primary investors, former NBA all-stars Grant Hill and Dikembe Mutombo. Both of which are valuing this deal at close to a billion dollars. Over 50 current NBA players had some family affiliation with Africa, so the demand is there. Silver said in his press conference that he believes this can become one of the prolific sports in the world.

The NBA has signed a deal to expand in Africa that values the business on the continent at $1 billion https://t.co/ImHlKDrJzk

— Bloomberg (@business) May 24, 2021

“With the expertise, resources and shared vision, the immensely successful investors and NBA legends, we believe that basketball in Africa can become a top sport over the next decade,” said Silver.

The NBA said the BAL will not only strive for great basketball but also will strive for influencing those within the community. The ecosystem and growing basketball market will be on the NBA’s to-do list when building up the BAL.

This will be an exciting entity to follow.

Photo via NBA