Basketball remains Liberia’s second most popular sport, trailing only behind football. However, the dream of elevating the sport to the heights of soccer seems to be slipping further out of reach with each passing year, as the sport’s iconic infrastructure stands at a crossroads.
Despite a rich legacy of passionate athletes, inspiring moments, and historic competitions that once graced our courts, key facilities such as the open-air Sports Commission remain embarrassingly stagnant.
The Sports Commission, which was intended to support, develop, and promote basketball in Liberia, now serves as a symbol of missed potential. Situated in central Monrovia, this once-celebrated venue has fallen into an identity crisis, with critics questioning the ambition of those entrusted with the future of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA).
For decades, the Sports Commission was the heart of Liberia’s basketball scene. The arena hosted remarkable tournaments, competitive league matches, and regional showdowns, and it was where future stars were born.
However, the facility now resembles a neglected relic, far from the vibrant center of athletic activity it once was. Despite being a vital landmark in Liberia’s basketball history, the facility has not received the investment it desperately needs. While other nations have modernized their sports infrastructure and heavily invested in transformative programs for their athletes, Liberia has fallen behind, leaving the Sports Commission to deteriorate.
*The Missing Chemistry*
Unlike football, which has seen improved leadership and governance under its current administration, basketball has struggled with internal conflicts, poor management, and a lack of coherence amongst stakeholders. This dysfunction has resulted in missed opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and overall professional support, ultimately stalling the sport’s development.
At the core of these challenges is the growing frustration of a new generation of athletes who possess immense talent but lack the environment to succeed. These young Liberians, many of whom have the potential to compete internationally, are left with inadequate infrastructure and little support from the institutions that should be nurturing their development.
Some of the country’s most talented athletes have been forced into early retirement, not due to lack of ability, but because the conditions necessary for their growth simply do not exist. How can we expect our athletes to compete globally when they are denied access to the same facilities, coaching, or training opportunities as their international counterparts?
This is a tragedy that can no longer be ignored. We are not only depriving these athletes of the chance to represent Liberia on the world stage, but we are also failing to build a legacy for future generations. A fundamental shift is required in the governance and management of basketball and other struggling sports in Liberia. The Sports Commission must be revitalized, not only as a sports venue but as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to its young athletes.
*The Past: A Glimmer of Hope, but No Real Change*
Basketball in Liberia has always been a sport of potential and promise. Under the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, over US$100,000 was allocated annually in the national budget for basketball operations. This financial boost was meant to fuel progress and reinvigorate the sport. For a time, there was hope that the future of basketball in Liberia was bright, with corporate sponsorships from companies like Cellcom/Orange GSM adding to the optimism.
Despite the substantial budget allocations, the Sports Commission remained a glaring reminder of the inactivity that has plagued the sport. The facility, still owned by a private family, continues to deteriorate, even as the government spends hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in rental fees. Despite its historic significance, the arena has not been modernized.
*The New Regime: More of the Same?*
In recent years, there were hopes that a change in leadership at the LBA would ultimately bring the transformation that the sport so desperately needs. This idea of new leadership was expected to bring fresh ideas, energy, and the vision required to shift the trajectory of basketball in the country.
Unfortunately, these hopes appear to have been misplaced. Insiders within the LBA suggest that many of the same issues that plagued the previous administration persist. Despite promises of change, the facility remains in a deplorable state, and efforts to reawaken or expand the facility have stagnated.
Amid the dominance of figures like Philipbert Brown, Bowier Wilson, Rufus Anderson, and Abraham Samukai all serving in major leadership roles, tangible progress was never made. The most pressing demand from fans, sympathizers, and basketball pundits is the quest to roof the entire facility so as to accommodate basketball activities during the raining season.
This stagnation was further compounded by the failure to build on the sport’s history. Fast forward, this generation is yet to witness a massive transformation to that facility with fingers pointing to lack of accountability and poor leadership.
*The Ministry of Youth and Sports: Missing in Action*
Another brewing factor is the ongoing issue with the management of the SKD Basketball Gym. Originally built as an alternative to the Sports Commission, this facility is now a shadow of its potential. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, which manages the SKD Gym, has repeatedly leased the venue for private use, often cancelling national league matches because of their commercial obligations.
In fact, why has the Ministry refused to hand over the facility to the LBA, leaving it under their control? This raises questions about the existing trust issues between the two entities. Furthermore, has the Ministry provided any financial report on the funds generated from the rental of the SKD Gym? Why is Liberia’s approach to sports governance so different from the rest of the world?
*A Generation at Risk*
It is worth noting that, over the past 15 years, just 2% of the budgetary allotment for key national figures such as the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and President Pro-Tempore, among others, was invested towards the transformation of sports facilities like the Sports Commission, this basketball arena could now meet international standards.
The real tragedy lies in the fact that the next generation of basketball players, many of whom could become future heroes and heroines, are being deprived of the resources, facilities and support they need to develop their talents. Many are discouraged, and some have already given up on their dreams because of this lack of investment in basketball infrastructure and governance.
*Breaking Away from the Failures of the Past: A TIME for Change*
The question now is: Who will step forward to challenge the long-standing failures of previous administrations? It is clear that the status quo can no longer continue. Breaking free from the failures of the past must now become a compelling driving force. The memories of yesterday are enough.
Those who offer little or nothing in changing the course of this sport must step aside immediately and make way for individuals with ambition, passion, commitment, and commercialization skills, people ready to repair and restore hope for future generations. It’s time for those who can revitalize this environment to take charge, where young players and their dreams can once again thrive.
Not a political arrangement like the one we witnessed with Emmanuel Potter and basketball stakeholders, who many believed would use his proximity to the former president to kickstart a new era for basketball, especially focusing on reviving the sports commission. Instead, the choices made by the stakeholders came back to haunt them.
Their decision lacked ambition, tenacity, and push, leaving behind a void even bigger than expected. In the end, they resorted to murmuring in corners, questioning how such a disappointing pick could have been made. Yet, the wait proved to be in vain, even in the most difficult times.
Again, basketball finds itself at a crossroads, especially with a few weeks to the rainy season. For far too long, this facility has languished in dormancy, waiting for change that never arrives. But this moment doesn’t have to be a tragedy. With the right leadership, vision, and resources, the Sports Commission and the future of basketball can once again become a Theatre of Dreams, a place where the hopes of young Liberians are nurtured, and the legacy of legends is carried forward.
It is time to stop pretending that the current state of basketball in Liberia is acceptable. The players, the fans, and the entire nation deserve better. The government, LBA, and all concerned stakeholders must step up, take responsibility, and create a future where basketball dreams can finally come true. The question remains: Who will answer the call?
Writes: D. Webster Cassell
