The Basketball Africa League 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 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
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.
A Trailblazer for Women in Sports
As a BAL Ambassador, Ogwumike will:
- Lead events and clinics throughout the BAL season
- Advocate for gender equity in basketball across Africa
- Mentor and inspire young women to pursue opportunities in sports
- Expand BAL’s influence through media and community engagement
Her first official role will begin at the Kalahari Conference, tipping off on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Joining a Prestigious Group of BAL Ambassadors
Ogwumike joins a distinguished list of African NBA legends who are serving as BAL Ambassadors:
- Ian Mahinmi, Benin, 2011 NBA Champion with the Dallas Mavericks
- Joakim Noah, Cameroon, two-time NBA All-Star
- Luol Deng, South Sudan, two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President
- Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Ghana, former NBA player and G League executive
Her appointment represents a groundbreaking step for women’s leadership in basketball, positioning her as a role model for future generations.
Chiney Ogwumike’s Vision for Basketball in Africa
Chiney 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.
The BAL’s Commitment to Basketball Development in Africa
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
- 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.
