Two U.S. senators have questioned the NBA’s relationship with Rwanda, accusing the league of prioritizing profit over principles.
In a letter sent to NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Tuesday, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) expressed concerns about the league’s dealings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The bipartisan letter critiques the NBA for its relationship with Kagame, described in a recent ESPN report by Mark Fainaru-Wada.
The senators pointed to the NBA’s extensive involvement in Rwanda, including the establishment of the Basketball Africa League, as evidence of the league’s disregard for human rights abuses. They argue that this partnership contradicts the NBA’s self-proclaimed stance on social justice.
The letter highlights Kagame’s record of repressing political dissent and curbing press freedom, noting that critics of his regime face severe consequences. The senators also referenced the NBA’s business practices in China.
Senators Blackburn and Merkley demanded that Silver provide answers within one week. They are seeking details on the NBA’s engagement with the Rwandan government and the league’s efforts to address human rights issues in the country.
Kagame has led Rwanda since 2000 and was reelected last month with a near-unanimous vote. Despite his administration’s controversial record, the NBA has maintained a partnership with Kagame.
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum defended the relationship, stating that discussions with Kagame focus on improving conditions for Rwandans through basketball. “The conversations that we’ve had with Paul Kagame have all been about improving the lives of Rwandan people,” Tatum said.
The senators concluded their letter with a call for the NBA to reconsider its approach. “Playing ball with dictators and brutal regimes should not be the NBA’s business model,” they wrote. They urged the league to use its platform to promote governance reforms and uphold the rule of law.
