Sports have long been a driving force for change across Africa, fueling economic growth, social development, and community empowerment.
In recent years, women’s sports have gained increased recognition, though opportunities for young female athletes still lag behind their male counterparts.
Amid this evolving landscape, Chiney Ogwumike—two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN analyst—has broken new ground as the first female ambassador of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Her appointment, announced by BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall today at the Africa Luncheon at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equity in sports.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes.com, Ogwumike expressed her deep connection to NBA Africa and the BAL, detailing her vision to create a more equitable playing field for all young athletes while emphasizing the transformative impact of the diaspora on global economies.
A Deep Connection to Africa and the BAL
Ogwumike’s journey with NBA Africa began when she was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. Since then, she has forged deep connections with the continent through her travels to Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, where she contributed to initiatives supporting the growth of basketball on the continent.
These experiences gave her a firsthand view of the actualization of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). “I saw this become a dream and then saw the dream become realized,” she shared, reflecting on the league’s evolution. Her commitment to the league runs deep; she even encouraged her cousin, Devine Eke, to play in the league last season. Eke’s impressive performance with the Rivers Hoopers helped the team secure third place, as he averaged 16.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
As a BAL Ambassador, Ogwumike will play a crucial role in promoting the league’s initiatives across Africa, with a special focus on empowering women and girls. She is scheduled to lead a series of events and clinics throughout the season, starting with the Kalahari Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Ogwumike joins a distinguished group of African NBA legends, including 2011 NBA champion Ian Mahinmi (Benin), two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah (Cameroon), two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng, and former NBA player and G League executive Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana). Together, they are committed to advancing basketball across the continent and beyond.
Empowering Future Generations
Ogwumike is aware of the transformative power of sports. Her mission is clear: to level the playing field for both young girls and boys. “I have realized that we all share the same passion for the game, whether you’re a young boy or a young girl,” she shares. However, she also understands the unique challenges women face in this arena. “Oftentimes, women encounter more stereotypes and the phenomenon known as imposter syndrome because society doesn’t expect us to pursue success in sports. I want to change that narrative.”
Ogwumike is committed to creating strategic opportunities for young women and girls within the basketball community. “I’m very passionate about providing opportunities in basketball specifically for young women and girls so they can have the same chances to succeed in life,” she explains. Her vision extends beyond the court; it’s about rewriting the narrative. “When new initiatives are launched, they often focus on young boys developing into future NBA players. What about WNBA players? They possess the same passion, drive, and love for the game. My goal is to amplify and accelerate opportunities for young women and girls, showing up to demonstrate that they matter and that there are people fightingfor them as well.”
Redefining Multi-Hyphenate Women
Embracing a multifaceted identity, Ogwumike has excelled as an athlete, broadcaster, and advocate, and she refuses to allow society to impose limits on women’s potential, both on and off the court. She believes that being a multi-hyphenate is inherent to who women are. “We are called to do much more with often even less, but that is a strength we need to embrace,” she says.
She is keenly aware of the labels frequently attached to women’s sports, yet she refuses to let those define the future. “They always try to assign a label to us; saying, ‘Women’s basketball is this’ or ‘Women’s basketball can only achieve this much.’ What we’ve observed in society over the last few years is that when we remove these stereotypes and limits on what female athletes can accomplish, we can genuinely shock the world.”
Ogwumike’s own journey exemplifies what can happen when women defy expectations and boldly redefine success on their own terms.
The Power of Mentorship and Community
Community has long been the backbone of African culture, and for Ogwumike, it is no different. She credits her parents and sisters as her greatest mentors, instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration.
Reflecting on her experiences, she shares, “When people ask if we ever played one-on-one in basketball or if it got intense, I say no. What I loved about learning the game was the focus on collaboration. The most important lesson I learned from my sisters is that there is more power in working together as women and young girls than in competing against each other.”
Challenging the narrative of scarcity, she emphasizes the strength of unity. “Society often makes us feel like we are all competing for one seat at the table for women. However, when we show up in a room together, we cannot be denied. This lesson came from my sisterhood and from my three sisters, all of whom play at a high level.”
Impact Through Global Leadership
Ogwumike’s involvement in President Biden’s inaugural Council on African Diaspora Engagement has deepened her understanding of the unique role the diaspora plays in shaping global opportunities. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed, “Serving on the council taught me a very important lesson—that youth matters. In many Sub-Saharan African countries, about 60% of the population is under 30. The youth takeover is here, and it’s crucial that we create opportunities for success throughout the diaspora.”
This realization underscored the importance of creating pathways for young people through innovative means—particularly in entertainment, sports, music, and culture. She emphasized, “The power of the diaspora is in harnessing these new avenues for opportunity, especially for the youth. My platform is sports—transforming global economies by creating connections and bridging gaps.”
She further elaborated on the significance of this moment for the diaspora: “People talk about brain drain, right? That happened decades ago when our parents left to seek education and opportunities elsewhere. But now we find ourselves in a unique moment where our culture is being amplified in ways we never imagined. Through this, we’re realizing that our true value lies in engaging with our communities back home. It’s about helping to motivate and sustain the connection between the diaspora and the people on the ground. This relationship is symbiotic, and it represents a powerful force for change.”
A Vision for the Future of African Basketball
Ogwumike is dedicated to strengthening the BAL and enhancing its impact on community development, with a special emphasis on women. She believes that women, just like their male counterparts, deserve the opportunity to see their dreams come true. “It’s time for young girls to get their opportunities,” she asserts, recognizing the growing potential of African women in basketball.
This vision is already taking shape with the historic campaign of the Nigerian women’s basketball team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which demonstrated the wealth of talent on the continent. Now, her focus is on providing the necessary infrastructure, support, and resources to ensure that these players have the platform they deserve.
As she explains, “I think the biggest goal I could have as a BAL ambassador is the way we talk about the successful NBA players of African descent. We can start highlighting more and more WNBA players doing the same.” Her commitment to showcasing and nurturing female talent goes beyond words; it’s about creating opportunities for women to thrive, ensuring they are seen, celebrated, and empowered at every level.
By building these foundations, Ogwumike aims to make the path to success in basketball as accessible for women as it has long been for their male peers, inspiring the next generation of African athletes to dream big and achieve even more.
Legacy and Inspiration
Ogwumike’s appointment as the first female ambassador of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) serves as a powerful symbol of sports’ ability to unite and inspire. Drawing from her Nigerian heritage and extensive experience both on and off the court, she is determined to leverage everything she has learned to advance women’s basketball in Africa and beyond.
For Ogwumike, building a lasting legacy is not about achieving quick wins; it is about laying the foundation for long-term success. She states, “I think sometimes we try to shoot for success and believe it needs to be immediate. But when you provide steady streams of what you’re building in tiny drops, your work can change the tides and create a legacy that lasts forever. That’s the approach I take in life, and it’s the same thing I’m trying to do as an ambassador of the BAL.” This mindset reflects the wisdom of her mother, who often says, “Tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean.”
Every day, whether on the court or in the studio, Ogwumike is focused on contributing to the bigger picture. She says, “I show up every day in practice, every day in the studio, and I do my best. Suddenly, you look back and realize you’ve made a legacy and created meaningful change—that’s exactly what I’m trying to do as an ambassador of the BAL.” She views this as a direct investment in the future of African women’s basketball—a future where young girls can dream as big as their male counterparts and see those dreams realized.
Through her dedication and consistent efforts, Ogwumike is not only building a legacy for herself; she is shaping a future where the African women’s basketball movement continues to thrive, inspiring the next generation to dream big and make their own lasting impact.
