Nigerian American basketball star, two-time WNBA All-Star, and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike has made history by being named the inaugural female Ambassador for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The groundbreaking announcement was revealed by BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall during the NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon at the NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 in San Francisco, USA.
Ogwumike, whose parents are from Delta State in Nigeria, is celebrated for her significant impact on basketball both on and off the court. She is a passionate advocate for gender equity in sports and actively uses her platform to inspire and empower young African athletes.
In her new role as BAL Ambassador, Ogwumike will focus on initiatives that engage and uplift women and girls across Africa, hosting basketball clinics and mentoring the next generation of female athletes. She will also play a key role in BAL events, beginning with the Kalahari Conference in Rabat, Morocco, on April 5, 2025.
Ogwumike joins an elite list of BAL Ambassadors, including African basketball legends Joakim Noah (Cameroon), Luol Deng (South Sudan), Ian Mahinmi (Benin), and Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana), further strengthening BAL’s commitment to growing basketball across the continent.
“As a proud Nigerian, I am honored to be named the first female BAL Ambassador. Basketball has given me so much, and I look forward to giving back, inspiring young women, and helping to elevate the game across Africa,” said Ogwumike.
Her appointment is a milestone for women’s basketball in Africa, highlighting the BAL’s continued investment in diversity, inclusion, and youth empowerment. Since its launch, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) has been a driving force for basketball development across the continent, providing world-class opportunities for African players to compete on a global stage.
With Ogwumike’s leadership and advocacy, the league aims to expand its impact, particularly for young girls and women in sports.
