PARIS, France – Levallois Metropolitans Basketball Club (France) and Abidjan Basketball Club (Cote d’Ivoire) are entering a new phase of collaboration aimed at building a pathway for African basketball talent into the European professional leagues.

In a move that underscores the deepening ties between African and European basketball ecosystems, a new partnership between French and Ivorian clubs signals a shared commitment to elite player development and long-term cross-continental opportunity.

At the heart of this collaboration is a strategic vision: to align talent pipelines across borders, fostering pathways for emerging African athletes to access competitive environments and professional exposure in European leagues.

As an outcome of this alliance, the recent promotion of the Levallois Metropolitan’s second team into the Nationale 3 division, enables the club to open an international roster spot — earmarked for a rising talent from the ABC Fighters men’s team. While the Metropolitans’ first team continues to compete in France’s Nationale 1, this initiative marks a decisive step toward integrating Africa’s high-potential talent into Europe’s structured development framework, and reinforces the growing role of African clubs in the global basketball economy.

The pathway will be created through ABC’s Pro Elite program, under the expert leadership of Chérif Diallo, Technical Director for Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC) with former experience at NBA Academy Africa and Latin America. The Pro-Elite program will identify and train top U23 prospects from the ABC Fighters team and its youth academy partners, offering them exposure, technical and tactical development, and mentorship on and off the court.

Jean-Luc Agboyibo, General Manager of ABC Fighters stated: “This is more than a partnership — it’s a long-term commitment to developing African talent and opening doors to new professional opportunities. This also allows our club to extend the impact of the Pro-Elite program and the promise we made to invest in our young and growing talents.”

Moustapha Sonko, Sports Director at Levallois Metropolitans Basketball Club (LMBC) concluded:“Having played with and coached many African talents throughout my career, I know the local potential is immense. At LMBC, we want to become a hub for that talent — a club where young African players can grow, thrive, and launch successful career.”

Over 11% of NBA players now have African roots — a clear sign of the continent’s rising influence in global basketball. Khaman Maluach went from a refugee camp in Uganda to becoming the 10th pick in the NBA Draft. To reach their full potential, athletes from the continent need the right platforms, expertise, and opportunities.

About Abidjan Basketball Club

Founded in 1998 in Abidjan, Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC) is a flagship institution in Ivorian basketball, with 19 national titles in the men’s division and 10 in the women’s over the past 26 years. On the continental stage, ABC Men won the FIBA Africa Champions Cup in 2005 and reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a competition launched in 2021 by the NBA in partnership with FIBA. With a strong and passionate fan base, the club embodies the core values of basketball and stands as a source of pride for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and the African continent.

For more information, please visit our Facebook and Instagram.

About Levallois Metropolitans Basketball

Born in 2024 and based in Levallois-Perret, France, Levallois Metropolitans Basketball Club (LMBC) is a professional basketball organization competing in the French national system. The club has a rich legacy, having previously competed at the highest levels of French and European basketball, and continues to be a stronghold of talent development in the Paris region. LMBC is committed to building a new era through excellence on the court, youth development, and international collaboration. With a renewed long-term vision and strong local roots, LMBC serves as a dynamic platform for emerging players — including international prospects — to grow, compete, and reach professional heights. The club aims to blend performance, education, and community engagement, and to become a trusted destination for the next generation of global basketball talent.

For more information, please visit our Instagram and website.

Contacts:
ABC: Kaly Soro –  ksoro@omegasportsholding.com
LMBC: Bastien Dufaur – bastien.metsbasketball@gmail.com