Barack Obama Joins NBA Africa as Strategic Partner and Minority Owner

Adam WellsJuly 27, 2021

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 2: The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama waves to the crowd during Game Two of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors on June 2, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chrise Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chrise Elise/NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA announced on Tuesday that former President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner.

Per the league's official announcement, Obama's role will "help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion."

NBA Africa @NBA_Africa
Today <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> joins NBA Africa as a strategic partner. <a href="https://t.co/qD5nxSZsbP">https://t.co/qD5nxSZsbP</a> <a href="https://t.co/zkfFXlxwej">pic.twitter.com/zkfFXlxwej</a>

Obama has also been given a minority ownership stake in the league that "over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa."

The NBA originally announced the formation of NBA Africa in May, with five former players named as investors in the league, including Grant Hill, Dikembe Mutombo, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Junior Bridgeman.

The 12-team Basketball Africa League, which is operated by NBA Africa, completed its inaugural season on May 30. Zamalek defeated US Monastir 76-63 in the championship game.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content