What I'm reading this week...(May 15th - 19th)

The Business of Sports edition!

1. Calling games: Usher Komugisha and Jack Armstrong, the voices of the game.

   

   Photo: Courtesy
   
   Sharing the profiles of two iconic voices in sports, Usher Komugisha and Jack Armstrong.
   
   Personal note: Basketball games encompass various enjoyable and informative aspects, including the players and teams of course. However, the voices calling or commentating on the games have become central to the basketball narrative, featuring renowned individuals such as Stephen A. Smith, Doris Burke, Peter Drury, and many others.

   
   For me, two iconic voices have resonated throughout the world of basketball. Usher Komugisha stands out on the continent, while Jack Armstrong has made his mark in Toronto, Canada, where I resided for a decade. Since the launch of the BAL (Basketball Africa League), Usher Komugisha has been a consistent presence on the sidelines, becoming inseparable from the league itself. Her precise, well-researched, and profound knowledge of the game's evolution, including basketball and football, has positioned her as an unparalleled voice.

   
   You may recall Usher's coverage on Al Jazeera during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighting her significant role and contribution to sports broadcasting. Calling games demands a range of skills, encompassing deep knowledge of players, teams, and the historical context of leagues spanning multiple countries. As we approach the finals of the BAL 2023 season in Kigali (May 20th to the 27th), pay close attention to the commentators. Usher's excellent verbal communication skills place her at the heart of it all, transporting you into the world of basketball from the opening tip to the post-game interviews. Usher's confidence and remarkable adaptability are undeniable, as she possesses an unrivaled understanding of the game. Similar to the BAL, Usher's consistent presence holds immense importance.

   
   Usher's longevity, unwavering professionalism, and deep respect for the value of sports within the African and global context make her an exemplary figure. I hope that Usher's trajectory serves as an inspiring path for aspiring young professionals looking to venture into the world of basketball and sports in general. With the BAL's substantial impact on sports and socio-economic development, it is crucial for all aspects of the game, including storytelling, visual representation, event management, sports broadcasting, and more, to grow alongside it.
   
   

2. Shola Akinlade, the co-founder and CEO of Paystack, has acquired a majority stake of up to 55% in Aarhus Fremad.

Personal note: As we look towards the future of sports, it's clear that sports in Africa hold tremendous potential as an untapped revenue source and a catalyst for socio-economic change. The recent news of Shola Opaleye's acquisition of a Danish football club highlights the immense opportunities that exist globally.

It's no secret that the addressable market for sports in Africa is exponential. With the emergence of NBA Africa (BAL) and NFL Africa, it's visible that the world's top sports leagues have recognized the potential that exists on this continent. However, it's not just about revenue growth. Sports can be a powerful tool for promoting social change and economic development.

Shola's decision to first set up a football club in his hometown, Sporting Lagos F.C., competing in the Nigerian League, is a prime example of this. By investing in local sports infrastructure and developing young talent, he's helping to create new opportunities and drive economic growth in his community and the country at large. And with his global ambitions, he's also demonstrating that African leaders can compete on the global stage when it comes to sports and business.

It's worth noting the impactful and visionary leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame exemplified by groundbreaking business collaborations such as the Government of Rwanda's partnership with #VisitRwanda, Arsenal, and PSG, as well as the recent FIFA Congress held in Rwanda, which continues to yield fruitful outcomes.

With the right investments and partnerships, African leaders can help to unlock the full potential of sports in Africa and drive positive change across the continent, and the world. The moment is now!