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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/National Basketball Association) |
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) has officially named two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike as its first-ever female ambassador. The announcement was made by BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall during the Africa Luncheon at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Ogwumike, a leading voice for gender equity in sports and sustainable basketball development, will take an active role in engaging and empowering women and girls through BAL initiatives. Her ambassadorship marks a major milestone in expanding opportunities for women in basketball across Africa.
As a BAL Ambassador, Ogwumike will lead events and clinics throughout the BAL season, become an advocate for gender equity in basketball across Africa, mentor and inspire young women to pursue opportunities in sports, and expand BAL’s influence through media and community engagement. Her first official role will begin at the Kalahari Conference, tipping off on April 5, 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Ogwumike joins a distinguished list of African NBA legends serving as BAL Ambassadors which includes Ian Mahinmi (Benin) who was part of the Dallas Mavericks which won the NBA Championship back in 2011, two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah (Cameroon) two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng (South Sudan), and former NBA player and G League executive Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana). Her appointment represents a groundbreaking step for women’s leadership in basketball, positioning her as a role model for future generations.
Ogwumike expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Dikembe devoted his life to helping others and brought joy to so many people across Africa and around the world. This new award and the basketball courts built in his name will honor Dikembe’s extraordinary legacy as a global humanitarian.” Her leadership aligns with BAL’s mission to develop basketball talent and provide meaningful opportunities for communities to engage with the sport. Since its launch, the BAL has played a pivotal role in growing the sport across Africa, fostering local talent, and creating professional opportunities. With Ogwumike’s leadership, the league aims to expand its impact across more communities, increase female participation in basketball, and elevate African basketball on the global stage. The addition of Ogwumike as a BAL Ambassador is a significant milestone in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in basketball across the continent.
