Basketball Without Borders: The NBA’s African Strategy

Jason Means, John Nauright

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBNConference contribution with ISSN or ISBNpeer-review

Abstract

Over the past several years, professional sports leagues in North America have sought to expand their fan base and marketability outside of the North American continent as the marketplace in North America becomes ever more saturated. While much of the thrust has centered on Europe and Asia, the National Basketball Association (NBA) at least has not ignored other areas such as South America and Africa. In particular its Basketball Without Borders camps have been held in many locations including South Africa on the African continent. This paper examines why South Africa was chosen as the primary location for BWOB, and how the NBA is establishing a program there with the long-term future of basketball in Africa in mind. Then, what actually occurs at the camp in terms of basketball and community outreach activities will be explored. Finally, an analysis will be presented as to whether the NBA is meeting the goals it has set for itself, the community, and for basketball development, and a view of what the future has in store for the NBA, Africa, and its up-and-coming basketball players will be offered. It is clear that BWOB can serve as a model program for a synergistic approach to development through sports and to the expansion of sports markets
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational conference on sport and entertainment business
Place of PublicationUSA
PublisherUniversity of South Carolina
Pages146-171
Number of pages26
Publication statusPublished - 11 Nov 2006
EventInternational conference on sport and entertainment business - Columbia, SC, 8-11 November, 2006
Duration: 11 Nov 2006 → …

Conference

ConferenceInternational conference on sport and entertainment business
Period11/11/06 → …

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Basketball Without Borders: The NBA’s African Strategy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this