More than any other sport, the NBA has made tremendous efforts to grow its popularity outside North America and basketball cards are part of that mix.
According to SLAM magazine, the league has set up its first office in South Africa. It’s located in Johannesburg.
Amadou Gallo Fall, former Director of Player Personnel and Vice President of International Affairs for the globally-thinking Dallas Mavericks, is heading up the place.
Fall has played a big role in “Basketball Without Borders”, a program near and dear to the heart of commissioner David Stern.
Angola, though, is where the NBA’s basketball card effort is hitting stride.
Two months ago, Panini launched a trading card program in Angola and is “excited” about the prospects in South Africa according to Fall. With Spalding, adidas and Nike getting all getting a push from the league, Panini sees a major opportunity. Panini, the NBA’s exclusive trading card partner, already has a giant worldwide base, with its soccer card market booming and a new NFL partnership.
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A Connecticut brick-and-mortar sports collectors shop is closing.
Legends of the Game featured sports cards and autographed memorabilia.
Mike Riccio Jr, was co-owner with his dad. Both have been active in the hobby for a long time.
The store had been open for four years. It’ll close June 30 after a “50% off sale” according to Westport Now.
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