With the NFL moving to expand overseas, it was only a matter of time before the NBA followed suit.
The NBA has officially announced that it will have the 1st ever exhibition game in Africa in August.
“The NBA has worked hard to grow the game of basketball in Africa, and I am excited to take this next step of playing our first game on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, via official release. “Our players have been tremendous partners in this effort, and all of us look forward to sharing the authentic NBA experience and the values of our game with fans in Africa.”
Current L.A. Clippers guard Chris Paul and Miami Heat Luol Deng guard will serve as the team captains. The format will be “Team World vs Team Africa”. While im not too crazy about the format, we will see what the NBA puts together. Players have not yet been released yet however some of the coaches and GM’s involved have been.
The 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year, Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks will be a coach for one squad in addition to the Brooklyn Nets head coach, Lionel Hollins. NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo and NBA Africa Ambassador Hakeem Olajuwon will also be participating.
The game will take place on August 1st at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Source: Pro Basketball Talk