The African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI) Weekly Newsletter - Week 47
M'bolani?(Hallo?) Y’o num vah? (How are you?)?in?Fang language?from our editorial team - welcoming you to our weekly brief.?
Fang?is the most commonly spoken native language in Gabon taking us to the Central part of Africa - our feature country this week.?
November is slowly coming to an end and here is some sports business action to take note of including how the sports coaching market is expected to grow by USD$ 4.18 Billion (2024-2028); SA looks at the possibility of bidding for 2036 Olympic Games; while Michael Jordan expands into sports venture capital with Courtside Ventures to name but a few.
As always, drop us a line on?[email protected], greetings or something we may have missed. Indulge us for a few minutes…Abora !
The global sports coaching market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.18 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio Some of the factors making this growth include ; increasing government initiatives to promote sports and sporting infrastructure is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of sports events globally. Upwards and forward!
Investors look to women’s sports teams, unlocking potential for billions in value, study reveals
From the stands, socials and on broadcast there are more eyes are on women’s sports, boosting valuations of professional women’s teams to new highs while attracting a?growing wave of wealthy investors. Rising viewership across platforms is driving women’s sports team valuations to record highs, with NWSL team values soaring 57% in a year and the WNBA collectively worth $1.16 billion, attracting major investors amidst deliberate expansion strategies.
The future of women sports is definitely on a positive and promising trajectory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has launched Build Your Legacy Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on sports, entertainment, and technology investments to support early-stage startups.?This is a good step coming from an active player and one who's looking to build his legacy in sport.
South Africa is looking to score another first on the African continent- hosting the Olympic Games. After being the first to host the FIFA World Cup, this may be another milestone for the country down under. South Africa is considering a bid for the 2036 Olympics, as Sascoc leaders and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie discussed the possibility with the IOC's future host cities team.?
The 2025 Basketball Africa League playoffs and Finals will be held for the first time at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 14, marking a shift from previous events hosted in Kigali, Rwanda.
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Former NBA star and Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is the latest investor in Courtside Ventures, a venture capital fund that focuses on sports-related assets. Jordan is joining a fourth round of funding intent on raising $100 million, after acquiring $190 million in investments for its first three rounds of funding. Jordan's stake in the current round of funding is still unknown. A boon for sports and the investment world!
What We Loved:
领英推荐
In a stunning turn of events, TP Mazembe claimed their first-ever African Women's Champions League title, edging out AS FAR 1-0 in a tense final in El Jadida. The match's lone goal came early, with Marlene Kasaj converting a penalty in the 10th minute after AS FAR captain Aziza Rabbah was adjudged to have handled the ball. The Congolese side nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but Merveille Kanjinga squandered a golden opportunity, firing wide from close range.
Despite being on home soil and carrying the weight of their 2022 continental triumph, AS FAR couldn't replicate their previous dominance over Mazembe, having beaten them 3-1 in the group stage just weeks earlier. It was a victory that defied expectations, with Mazembe's disciplined performance and resolute defense seeing them through to the title.
Hoiyee?TP Mazembe!
The South African Springbok flanker won the prestigious accolade for the second time, having also been named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2019 ?He joins a select group of players that have won this Award more than once in All Blacks Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Beauden Barrett.
Du Toit was an integral part of the South Africa side that won a first Rugby Championship title in five years. They followed that up with a perfect Autumn Nations Series tour, beating Scotland, England and Wales.
Pad om te gaan, Du Toit!
What are We Reading:
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In the latest issue of the ASCI newsletter, we delve into the captivating story of the Dassler brothers, the masterminds behind two of the world’s most iconic sports brands—Adidas and Puma. Their rivalry, which began in their mother’s laundry room in Germany, has not only shaped their personal lives but also revolutionized the modern sports business.
In her book?Sneaker Wars, journalist Barbara Smit explores how Adi and Rudi Dassler’s initial success turned into a bitter feud that split both their family and their hometown. By the end of World War II, the brothers had parted ways, leading to the creation of two of the biggest global brands in sports.
Their competition fueled behind-the-scenes deals, multi-million dollar contracts, and transformed how brands engage with athletes, clubs, and competitions today.?Sneaker Wars?is a thrilling blend of family drama, business rivalry, and sports history, offering an insightful look into the forces that shaped the sports industry as we know it today.?
Country Focus
Gabon:
It is ensconced in a pocket on the Central Western side of the continent. It was an important trading port and is one of Africa’s significant oil producing countries. ?
Population: 2,397,368?GDP: ? $19.319 billion ?Nominal per capita:$ 8,831
Sports:
Football Milestones:?Gabon’s men’s team is nicknamed?The Panthers?and is currently ranked 86th on the FIFA rankings. The team has played in at least 8 Africa Cup of Nations including hosting 2 (2012 and 2017). Some of the players known from Gabon include striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang - currently the nation’s top scorer.
Olympic Participation:??Anthony Obame won a silver medal in tae-kwon-do at the 2012 Olympics held in London.The Under-23 football team won the 2011 CAF U-23 Championship and qualified for the 2012 London Olympics. Gabon has competed at most Summer Olympics since 1972.
Basketball:?Gabon’s national basketball team, nicknamed Les Panthères finished 8th at the AfroBasket 2015. Chris Silva is a Gabonese basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
Cycling:?Since 2006, Gabon has hosted La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, a professional week-long bicycle race which includes both European and African teams.
Thank you for sparing time to read and engage with our content on the weekly newsletter. We welcome your input on [email protected]. Like our post, re-post, bookmark and share widely as we bring you the best of African sports, entertainment and the world of sport to your timeline. Till next week, kwaheri!