Covington logo Covington Advises the National Basketball Association in Formation of NBA Africa PRESS RELEASE JUNE 14, 2021 News and Insights Covington Advises the National Basketball Association in Formation of NBA Africa Covington Advises the National Basketball Association in Formation of NBA Africa June 14, 2021 WASHINGTON—Covington advised the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the recently announced formation of NBA Africa. The new entity will conduct the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) – a partnership between the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The NBA expects that the new entity will contribute to the growth of the BAL, help expand the NBA’s presence in priority African markets, and deepen the league’s engagement with players and fans through initiatives such as the launch of additional NBA Academies and social responsibility efforts that improve the livelihoods of African youth and families, including advancing gender equality and economic inclusion. The formation of NBA Africa furthers the NBA’s commitment to growing the African basketball ecosystem and driving economic development across the continent. The NBA has a decades-long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg in 2010. Since then, the league’s efforts in Africa have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through grassroots and elite development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, and the launch of the BAL. The Covington team advising the NBA included Jeremy Spector, Lauren Ross, Elnaz Manoucheri, Kevin Zaragoza, Lee Kelley, Adam Kern, and Shae Qian (Tax); Peter Zern, Joe Gangitano, and David Simon (Corporate); Brian Rosenzweig and Kamron Cox (Securities); Marie Lavalleye (Trademark); Ben Haley (Anti-Corruption); and Mike Francese (Employee Benefits). Related Professionals Jeremy D. Spector Partner Lauren Ann Ross Special Counsel Elnaz Manoucheri Associate Kevin Zaragoza Partner Lee A. Kelley Of Counsel Xueshu (Shae) Qian Associate Peter Zern Partner Joseph Gangitano Partner David V. Simon Associate Brian K. Rosenzweig Partner Marie A. Lavalleye Of Counsel Benjamin S. Haley Partner Michael J. Francese Partner Share links: Related Practices Corporate Tax Capital Markets and Securities Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Regulatory and Public Policy Litigation and Investigations Anti-corruption/FCPA Patent Litigation Related Industries Sports Related Offices Washington Related Regions North America Africa FILTERS Related News & Insights BACK TO TOP Covington logo Professionals Practices and Industries News and Insights Global Reach Alumni Contact Us Privacy Notice Legal Notices Sitemap Terms of Use Imprint SUBSCRIBE © 2021 Covington & Burling LLP. All Rights Reserved. Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071. The practice in Johannesburg is conducted by an affiliated limited company Covington & Burling (Pty) Ltd. The practice in Dublin Ireland is through a general affiliated Irish partnership, Covington & Burling and authorized and regulated by the Law Society of Ireland with registration number F9013. Attorney Advertising We and the third parties that provide content, functionality, or business services on our website may use cookies to collect information about your browsing activities in order to provide you with more relevant content and promotional materials, on and off the website, and help us understand your interests and improve the website.Privacy Policy Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies