For the past several years the NBA has attempted to Globalize the game. The NBA and NFL have been in a bidding war for American fans. For the most part the NFL has had the upper hand. The NBA started to gain notoriety in the late 80’s with the emergence of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The legendary Celtics vs Lakers rivalry put the NBA on the national map. Once Michael Jordan entered the league he then brought the NBA to the global audience. Jordan not only change sports culture but also changed fashion and sneaker culture. This sparked the NBA’s global audience.
Since Michael Jordan we have seen several American NBA stars have international notoriety. Stars such a Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade etc. Despite the NBA having these mega international stars, there is still a level go global notoriety they strive for. Maybe a foreign born star that could reach the level of a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. The NBA biggest international star in recent years has been Dirk Nowitzki. Since Dirk’s arrival in the NBA we have seen a spike in foreign born NBA stars. Stars such as Manu Ginobli, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic etc.
In order for the NBA to continue to raise its global popularity they must attract more foreign born stars that the international fan can relate too. So the NBA has decided to begin a pro league in Africa. This is a major step in increase globally awareness of the game as well as globally popularity. This 2019 season 2 of the NBA’s best players are of African decent. Giannis Antetokounmpo who is of Nigerian decent and Joel Embiid who is of Cameroonian decent. The ironic thing about these two players is they did not start playing basketball as early as 5 years old as they probably would have in America. Despite that fact they are currently two of the NBA’s best players.
This league will help provide many young African kids another platform to showcase their talents. With these league children will have something in their own backyard to strive for. Who knows the next Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James could come from Africa!
Click the link below to read more of the NBA in Africa league.
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