NBA.com's Shaun Powell noted Saturday's NBA Africa Game in Johannesburg was "only the second time" the league has hosted an exhibition on the continent. Players were "split in two squads, Team World for those born in other countries" and Team Africa. The game at TicketPro Dome has an "announced sellout of 7,348" and was "festive." The NBA’s goal to "grow the game in Africa was all-encompassing and designed to inflate the sport’s awareness." ESPN's Bruce Bowen and retired soccer player Thierry Henry were among those in attendance (NBA.com, 8/5).
DOING IT RIGHT: In Boston, Gary Washburn reported the WNBA has "taken the lead among professional sports leagues regarding players making social statements without fear of retribution." But the WNBA has also "taken its share of criticism about the on-court product." At this point, it has "become essentially a two-team league" -- the Lynx and Sparks -- and there "has to be overall improvement from the other 10 teams." But the league has "made tremendous strides in celebrating and promoting itself, and being a role model for social activism." The NFL hierarchy could "take a lesson from the WNBA in how to accept and even embrace its players who speak out on social issues" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/6).
PARTY TIME: In N.Y., Claire Atkinson reported the USTA is "throwing a two-day event" prior to the start of the U.S. Open later this month. The festival -- which features defending champs Stan Wawrinka and Angelique Kerber -- kicks off Aug. 24 from 10:00am-8:00pm ET, leading into Arthur Ashe Kids' Day on Aug. 26. Activities will include a "photo area where tennis fans can get a selfie with the trophy or sit in an umpire’s chair." Sponsors include JPMorgan, Spectrum, Mercedes-Benz and Lavazza (N.Y. POST, 8/6).
