Slam dunk diplomacy: NBA set for first Cuba trip since restored relations

The NBA is set to become the first U.S. professional sports league to visit Cuba since President Barack Obama ordered diplomatic relations between the countries to be restored. The league will hold a four-day development camp and host clinics for young players from April 23-26. Recently retired two-time MVP Steve Nash, newly elected Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, and former WNBA star Ticha Penicheiro will take part, along with NBA coaches Quin Snyder of Utah and James Borrego of Orlando.

We’ve seen the bridges that basketball can build between cultures.

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, speaking to the New York Times

Obama ordered relations with Cuba to be normalised in December. The NBA and FIBA, basketball’s world governing body, also will invite two players and one coach from Cuba to participate in an upcoming Basketball without Borders camp for the first time.

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