NBA to Stage First Pre-Season Game In Africa

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will stage an exhibition game in South Africa next August as they expand their global reach into Africa.

Africa will be the latest continent to host an NBA pre-season game, capsule following on from games played in Asia, discount Europe and South America last year.

The NBA’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum made the announcement Tuesday in Johannesburg, where the NBA is currently holding a ‘Basketball without Borders’ camp.

‘‘Becoming the first U.S. professional league to play a game in Africa is just an evolution of our commitment to continuing to bring basketball to the continent of Africa,’’ said Tatum.

‘‘I think it’s a pretty big deal.’’

Tatum also revealed that all proceeds will go to charity, but details of who will play and which charities will benefit are still to be determined.

‘‘The involvement of our players in growing the game internationally and on a global basis is critical and it’s important and I think that our players understand that and I think that the basketball community understands that,’’ said Tatum.

The NBA first held one of its camps in South Africa in 2003 and has returned nearly every year. Players and coaches will provide instruction to 60 top young African players while also conducting clinics and providing the campers with life skills lessons.