Memphis Standard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.) have sent a letter to National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver, criticizing the NBA's increasing engagement with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has been accused of human rights abuses. The letter also raises concerns about the league’s interactions with Chinese Communist Party officials.

“We write to express deep concern about the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s deepening relationship with Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame. It seems that the NBA—which has long positioned itself as a beacon of social justice—is choosing to continue developing relationships with dictators and despots, all in the name of putting profit over principle,” stated Blackburn and Merkley in their letter.

The senators noted that the NBA's business in Africa was valued at nearly $1 billion as of 2021. They referenced reports indicating that the league's relationship with Kagame began in 2018 when Silver visited Kigali and engaged directly with the Rwandan president. Subsequently, the NBA provided advice and support for constructing a $104 million arena to establish the Basketball Africa League (BAL), thereby expanding its presence on the continent.

“The NBA has hosted President Kagame in Toronto, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Oakland, and at various other NBA-sponsored events across North America, treating him like a friend and dignitary,” continued Blackburn and Merkley. “The league profits from this relationship, but at what cost? President Kagame has ruled Rwanda for over 20 years with impunity.”

The letter highlights various allegations against Kagame’s government, including suppression of freedom of expression and internet freedom within Rwanda. Critics of Kagame’s rule reportedly face imprisonment or worse. Additionally, his government is accused of providing military support to M23, a rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo known for severe human rights violations.

“The Rwandan government is known for murdering, kidnapping, and intimidating dissidents living overseas,” added Blackburn and Merkley. “Our concern about the NBA’s business relationship with a government with a demonstrated record of human rights abuses and repressive behavior is not limited to Rwanda.”

The senators also pointed out issues regarding the NBA’s activities in China and its engagements with Chinese Communist Party officials.

“Playing ball with dictators and brutal regimes should not be the NBA’s business model,” they asserted. “Instead, the league should use its influence to advocate for governance reforms.”

For further details on their stance or to view the full letter sent by Senators Blackburn and Merkley to Commissioner Silver, click here.