Mark Tee Armstrong
Black athletes dominate basketball, but black ownership doesn’t. In the NBA, Less than 10% of the coaches are Black. And when it comes to ownership, there is only one Black majority owner in league history — Michael Jordan — and he sold his stake.
How about college
At the NCAA level, white leadership continues to control the majority of athletic budgets and infrastructure. Even with NIL, the tools to succeed — such as legal assistance, branding, and management — remain largely inaccessible to those outside elite networks.
From Founders to Forgotten
Long before the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed in 1949. Bob Douglas played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for black ownership in sports.
Douglas, who founded the New York Renaissance, not only showcased exceptional talent but also advocated for the inclusion of Black players in competitive leagues.
Despite their significant contributions to the evolution of the game of basketball. These pioneers faced systemic exclusion with the establishment of the NBA. They were barred from ownership and leadership roles within the league, which leads to my point.
Finally, a new rim, a new game, and a new future have arrived.
The No Backboard Basketball League is revolutionizing the game, not just by changing how it’s played, but also by reshaping the financial landscape for its participants. We are committed to developing a vibrant infrastructure that prioritizes ownership, equity, and accessibility for all. To be part of the movement, visit the No Backboard league website and learn more about what we’re all about.
Because when a community creates the culture, it should share in the reward.
Up Next in the Series:
NIL or N/A? Why the New Rules Still Don’t Benefit Most Black Athletes
Mark Tee Armstrong is the inventor of Basketball-the-Remix and founder of the No Backboard Basketball League. Learn more at nobackboard.com.