NBA Africa And Future Concerns Nigeria Limited Announce Multi-Year Collaboration To Launch NBA REC In Nigeria

Nigeria’s basketball ecosystem is set to expand with the arrival of NBA REC, the NBA’s recreational basketball platform for players aged 18 and above, following a new multi-year collaboration between NBA Africa and Future Concerns Nigeria Limited, a leading Nigerian health, safety, environmental and engineering services company. The partnership brings the first NBA REC programme to West Africa, marking another milestone in the NBA’s continued investment in grassroots basketball across the region.

The initiative will debut with the NBA REC University Tournament, scheduled for the University of Lagos on August 7 and 8. The two-day competition will feature eight men’s university teams from across Nigeria alongside fan experiences, entertainment and community programming designed to celebrate basketball culture both on and off the court. Munch It, the snack brand from Kellogg Tolaram Nigeria Limited, joins the initiative as the tournament’s official partner. Additional details on participating universities and event programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

The launch reflects a broader effort to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to engage with basketball beyond elite competition. By combining organised recreational play with community engagement and lifestyle experiences, NBA REC aims to strengthen university basketball while fostering a deeper connection between the sport and youth culture.

“Nigeria is home to some of the most passionate basketball fans and talented young athletes in the world,” said Fola Folowosele, Head of NBA Nigeria. “Through NBA REC, we are building a platform that brings together basketball, lifestyle and community, and we are excited to launch this initiative with the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament in Lagos. Together, we look forward to creating meaningful experiences for participants while helping grow the game and basketball culture in Nigeria.”

Future Concerns Group Managing Director Dr. Eng. Anthony Oguike said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to youth development through sport. “The NBA is more than a game; it is a global platform that inspires teamwork, leadership, discipline and the pursuit of excellence,” he said. “By investing in university sports and creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow both on and off the court, we are helping develop the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.”

For Munch It, the partnership aligns with the brand’s focus on youth culture and shared experiences. “Basketball brings people together through energy, confidence, creativity and community, values that have always been central to our brand,” said Enoma Aito, Brand Manager at Munch It. “We’re excited to help bring the inaugural NBA REC University Tournament to life and create memorable experiences for young fans while supporting the continued growth of university basketball in Nigeria.”

The launch builds on Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the NBA. The country’s basketball legacy stretches back to Hakeem Olajuwon’s selection as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, and more than 50 players from or with direct Nigerian heritage have since competed in the league. Nigeria has also been represented in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) since the competition’s inaugural season in 2021, while NBA Africa established its Lagos office in 2022 to support grassroots development, strategic partnerships and cultural initiatives including NBA Crossover and NBA Meets Art.

As basketball continues to grow across the continent, NBA REC adds another pathway for participation by creating opportunities that extend beyond professional competition. Through university sport, community engagement and lifestyle programming, the platform aims to strengthen basketball culture while supporting the next generation of players and fans.