NBA-Backed Basketball Africa League Reveals 12 Inaugural Teams for First Season

The game of basketball has exploded over the past few decades, growing beyond the confines of America's borders and out into the world.

The latest sign of the NBA's international reach comes via the recent announcement of the 12 teams that will play in the inaugural season of Africa's NBA-backed league. Yup, it's officially official.

It's a massive step towards the development of an international basketball culture. Some of the game's biggest stars right now are from Africa. For example, Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam both hail from Cameroon.

Embiid spoke enthusiastically about the league as it prepares for its first year.

"There's a lot of special talent there that the world doesn't know about," he said. "So I think it's a great initiative."

He's absolutely right. This is a fantastic chance for teams to find the next batch of stars on the international stage. With an official league, it'll be far easier for talented players who deserve a shot in the NBA to get recognized.

This is perfect for the game of basketball. Hopefully the league and the 12 teams it houses will shine in their first year of play.