The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has unveiled six newly refurbished basketball courts in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal as part of National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa’s commitment to build and renovate 1,000 courts on the continent in the next 10 years.
In a statement on Wednesday, BAL stated that the projects were carried out in collaboration with PETROSEN, Qatar Foundation, Ville de Dakar, Wave Côte d’Ivoire and Woodside Energy Support Refurbishments, Including First BAL4HER Courts on the Continent.
According to the league, the location of the refurbished court in Nigeria is in Owerri, Imo State, noting that the facility would serve more than 300 participants across the state.
A former Nigerian-American Women’s National Basketball Association player, Chiney Ogwumike, is expected to support the unveiling of the court in December.
“Owerri, Nigeria (Qatar Foundation) – December: Marking the second BAL4HER court in Africa, the court unveiling will be supported by two-time WNBA All-Star and BAL Ambassador Chiney Ogwumike and her nonprofit organization, Queens of the Continent.
“The court currently serves more than 300 participants across Imo State. The upgrades, including renovated changing rooms and bathrooms, improved lighting and enhanced drainage, will transform a gathering space into a dedicated venue for organized sport, youth development and community engagement,” BAL said.
Meanwhile, four of the six refurbished basketball courts are located in Senegal, while the remaining one is in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Commenting on the initiative, BAL President, Amadou Gallo Fall, said the projects demonstrated the league’s commitment to community investments across Africa.
“These newly refurbished courts reflect our commitment to investing in communities and making the game more accessible to young people across Africa.
“Together with our partners, we are creating spaces where the next generation of African basketball players, fans, and changemakers can grow, connect and thrive,” Fall stated.