NBA Africa to build 100 courts in Kenya across a decade

In a transformative initiative poised to inspire and uplift communities, NBA Africa and Opportunity International have joined forces to bring the joy of basketball to Nairobi, Kenya. In a groundbreaking announcement, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum announced that the organization will be building 100 courts in Kenya in the next 10 years as part of a blueprint aimed at growing the sport in Africa and creating a viable ecosystem around basketball.

The announcement is a significant step towards NBA Africa’s ambitious goal of constructing 1,000 basketball courts across Africa over the next decade. This commitment underscores the league’s dedication to enriching local basketball networks, offering young athletes not just a place to play, but a platform for personal and professional development.

At a press conference today in Nairobi, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon, and five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher articulated their enthusiasm for this venture. “Our collaboration with Opportunity International reflects our commitment to investing in local basketball ecosystems across Africa and providing youth with the resources and opportunities to develop their leadership and basketball skills,” stated Tatum. This sentiment echoes the shared belief that sports can be a powerful catalyst for change.

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi during the press conference emphasized the tremendous growth that African basketball is witnessing, citing a plethora of projects that the NBA is hosting on the continent to grow the sport. She mentioned the Jr NBA Camps across Africa that offer equal opportunities to boys and girls, the Basketball Africa League and its BAL elevate program that’s been showcasing prominent talented youngsters such as Ulrich Chomche and Khamal Maluach, and other initiatives that have been essential in thriving basketball in Africa and growing the NBA brand on the continent.

Five-time NBA Champion Derek Fisher was livid about the progress of African basketball, highlighting how impressed he was with the quality of basketball played at the BAL. Fisher who spent 18 years plying his trade in the NBA before going on to train the New York Knicks and WNBA side Los Angeles Sparks expressed excitement at the trajectory of African basketball, praising the great quality of games at the Basketball Africa League as well as the top talent available in the league.

NBA Kenya’s Director Mike Finley explored the great impact that building more courts in Kenya and Africa will have on basketball's growth and on nurturing healthy and enlightened individuals.

The construction of 100 courts in Kenya over 10 years will also encompass a development program for coaches and teachers, designed to equip them with essential skills in coaching, refereeing, game operations, and event management. This holistic approach ensures that as youth engage with the sport, they are supported by knowledgeable mentors who can guide them through their journey.

At the heart of this collaboration is the Jr. NBA program, which aims to teach the fundamentals of basketball while instilling core values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Last year alone, the Jr. NBA directly reached over 170,000 youth across Africa, showcasing the program’s potential to enrich lives and foster a love for the game.

As these courts rise in Nairobi, they will serve not just as places to play but as safe havens where young people can cultivate their talents, build friendships, and develop the skills necessary to become the next generation of leaders and coaches. This initiative highlights the transformative power of sports and its ability to transcend barriers, uniting communities through a shared passion.

In an era when opportunities can often feel limited, NBA Africa's initiative stands as a beacon of hope. It reaffirms the belief that with the right support and resources, Africa’s youth can soar to new heights.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of NBA & The Razzmatazz]

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