In a press release from the National Basketball Association on Tuesday, former President Barack Obama announced that he is joining the NBA to promote “social responsibility” in Africa.
“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States — using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” Obama said in the statement. “By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.”
“Gender equality”?
“We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the release. “In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports. NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”
And Obama will benefit tremendously too, because the NBA has handed the Obama Foundation a minority equity stake in NBA Africa.