Two U.S. senators called on the NBA to reevaluate a partnership with Rwanda and its dictator Paul Kagame, citing the American government's changing policy toward the small African nation.
U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Marsha Blackburn have urged the NBA to reevaluate its partnership with Rwanda and leader Paul Kagame. In a letter sent to commissioner Adam Silver, the lawmakers warned that the league risks being complicit in sportswashing amid changing Western policies and widespread human rights abuse allegations against the Rwandan government. NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed the league received the letter and is preparing a response.
Rwanda pays the NBA roughly $6 million to $7 million annually to host Basketball Africa League events and maintain marketing ties. The senators highlighted Rwanda's reported involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict, questioning the league's ethical boundaries regarding foreign revenue. The pressure follows recent decisions by European soccer clubs Bayern Munich and Arsenal to end their sponsorship agreements with the country.
Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.
