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As I reflect on the electric atmosphere during game seven of the 2022 National Basketball League finals between the City Oilers and the Namuwongo Blazers, I am reminded of the immense potential within the National Basketball League
The overwhelming fan turnout inside and outside the MTN Arena signaled a new era for the league.
However, as the 2023 season unfolds, it is evident that our expectations regarding fan attendance and marketing initiatives have yet to be fully realized.
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09:21 - 12.06.2023
BASKETBALL Uganda Silverbacks forward Arthur Kaluma commits to Kansas State Wildcats
In two seasons at Creighton, Kaluma started 67 games and averaged 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
In the modern era, marketing plays a pivotal role in the development and sustainability of sports.
Teams and organizations leverage various platforms to enhance exposure and create alternative revenue streams.
While FUBA has seen partnerships with companies like Stanbic Bank, who offer flexi pay options for tickets, there is still a sense that we can do more.
One example is the "ladies' night" campaign during Wednesday night games hosted at the YMCA court and the MTN Arena in Lugogo.
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However, these games have struggled to attract significant attendance, leaving half-empty arenas that viewers witness on their television screens.
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07:53 - 12.06.2023
BASKETBALL To be the best, you have to beat the best -Uganda Gazelles captain Flavia Oketcho confident
Record champions Senegal and 2007 winners Mali will be Uganda’s opponents in the first phase of the competition.
To maximize revenue from gate collections, participating clubs must play a proactive role in mobilizing fans.
Section 6.02 (Gate Collection Sharing) of the FUBA competitions manual for 2023 outlines that participating clubs are entitled to 70% of the net share after deducting expenses such as VAT and operational costs.
This incentive should encourage clubs, particularly those comprising learning institutions that make up a significant portion of the league, to actively engage in mobilizing fans.
Learning institutions possess the advantage of a consistent influx of students, offering the potential for a sustained and loyal fan base.
FUBA should prioritize mobilizing various sports departments within these institutions, targeting alums and current students to attract a more extensive fan base.
Undoubtedly, media presence is paramount to the league's rising popularity.
FUBA should work diligently to engage both new and traditional media entities to increase exposure.
Teams have already made strides in promoting their brands by establishing social media departments and providing daily updates on club activities.
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21:51 - 09.06.2023
BASKETBALL Uganda Gazelles drawn in Group C for FIBA Women’s Afrobasket
Uganda was drawn in Group C, alongside giants Mali and Senegal.
This approach attracts sponsors and garners attention from a wider audience.
However, a remarkable opportunity lies within the league's handbook, where no ruling on merchandise exists.
Teams across the league could leverage this loophole to their advantage.
The production of memorabilia such as T-shirts, mugs, and key holders presents a reliable and potentially lucrative income source for financially struggling teams.
It also allows fans to display their support for their favourite teams, contributing to a vibrant basketball culture.
Basketball is a sport that holds deep cultural significance for many, and its popularity has the potential to soar.
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Last year's finals demonstrated this potential.
By implementing effective marketing strategies and increasing fan attendance at all levels, the top-flight leagues can finally achieve professional status, transcending the semi-professional mediocrity that has lingered for far too long.
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