NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum don name Nigeria as one of di established basketball markets wey dey draw interest from investors wey dey find permanent franchises for di Basketball Africa League, as di competition dey prepare to shift to franchise-based model.
Tatum talk dis week, say di league don receive dozens of bids from prospective investors across Africa, wit Nigeria and Senegal dey lead di way among established markets. Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa don also attract bids, wey dey show say confidence dey grow for di commercial potential of professional basketball for di continent.
Di proposed restructuring go introduce permanent franchises alongside di existing pathway, wia clubs dey qualify through domestic championships and continental competitions. Tatum stress say di qualification route go remain, to make sure say teams wey dey outside di franchise structure still fit compete for di highest level.
For Nigeria, di changes fit turn to investment for professional club structures, facilities and player development. Di country don dey represented for BAL by Rivers Hoopers, wey finish third for di 2024 edition.
Tatum indicate say discussion wit priority bidders still dey go on, wit di first permanent franchises dem expect to announce for 2027.
