NBA Africa has officially opened applications for its 2025 Triple-Double Accelerator Program, inviting promising African tech startups to join a transformative 6-month journey. This initiative aims to discover and support innovative companies leveraging technology to impact the sports, media, and entertainment industries across the continent.
Program Overview
The Triple-Double Accelerator is designed to identify and nurture early-stage and growth-stage companies from across Africa that are developing solutions at the intersection of sports and technology. The program focuses on several key innovation areas, including but not limited to fan engagement, player tracking, health and wellness, next-generation commerce, and event management. Selected startups will embark on a comprehensive 6-month program, culminating in a Demo Day where they will showcase their progress to a network of investors, NBA Africa and NBA executives, and industry leaders.
The accelerator operates on an equity-based model, ensuring a vested interest in the long-term success of the participating startups.
Key Benefits for Participating Startups
Selected startups in the Triple-Double Accelerator Program will gain access to an unparalleled suite of resources and opportunities:
- Cash Investment: A $50,000 cash prize to fuel their growth and development.
- Expert Mentorship: Direct guidance from a diverse group of mentors, including NBA Africa and NBA executives, industry leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs.
- Strategic Access: Unrivaled access to NBA Africa’s extensive network, operational expertise, and brand power, providing a unique platform for validation and scaling.
- Follow-on Funding Potential: Opportunities to pitch for additional investment from a network of local and international venture capitalists and investors.
- Global Exposure: Potential for global visibility and partnerships within the broader NBA ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
The Triple-Double Accelerator seeks African-owned and led startups that meet specific criteria:
- Companies must be based in Africa or primarily serving the African market.
- Focus on innovative solutions within the sports, media, entertainment, and technology sectors.
- Demonstrated traction, indicating a viable product or service with early customer adoption.
- A strong, dedicated team with the vision and capability to execute their business plan.
- Scalability potential to achieve significant impact across the continent and beyond.
How to Apply
Aspiring startups eager to join the 2025 cohort of the Triple-Double Accelerator Program can submit their applications through the official NBA Africa portal. The application process typically involves a detailed submission of business plans, team profiles, and a demonstration of their innovative solution. Interested founders are encouraged to visit the official program website for comprehensive details and to complete their applications promptly.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open.
About NBA Africa
NBA Africa is a standalone entity that conducts the NBA’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2010. The league’s efforts in Africa have focused on increasing basketball participation, growing the fan base, and using the game to drive economic and social development. Through initiatives like the Triple-Double Accelerator, NBA Africa aims to foster a thriving sports and tech ecosystem, leveraging innovation to create new opportunities and engage a new generation of fans and entrepreneurs across the continent.
Looking Ahead
The Triple-Double Accelerator represents a significant commitment from NBA Africa to foster innovation within the continent’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem. By focusing on sports and media tech, the program taps into a high-growth sector with immense potential for disruption and value creation. For startups across the MENA region, particularly those in North Africa, this program offers a unique gateway to global exposure, strategic partnerships, and substantial funding, allowing them to scale their solutions and contribute to the region’s burgeoning sports tech landscape. The initiative is poised to not only elevate individual startups but also to catalyze broader growth and collaboration within the African and MENA tech communities, setting a new benchmark for corporate-backed innovation programs.
Source: NBA Africa
