11/02/2025
This issue highlights the financial disparities between sports in Zambia, :
1. Prize Money Disparity
In volleyball, the champions receive K50,000, and the runners-up get K20,000—a clear indication that financial support exists.
In basketball, there is little to no prize money, leaving teams and players wondering what they are playing for financially beyond passion and exposure.
Football is the most recognized sport receives k500,000 which means there commitment in marketing and management is well organized.
2. Investment in Teams and Clubs
Basketball clubs are investing a lot in training, recruitment, travel, and player welfare, yet they are not seeing financial returns from tournaments and leagues.
Volleyball, on the other hand, seems to be attracting better funding, sponsorships, or organizational support.
Question: Where is basketball's financial support? Are league organizers failing to secure sponsorships, or is there a lack of interest from corporate sponsors?
3. Lack of Sponsorship and League Organization
Sponsorships are crucial for any sport to grow. If basketball leagues are failing to attract big sponsors, it could be due to:
Poor marketing and lack of visibility.
Weak league management and inconsistent competition structures.
Limited fan engagement, making it less attractive for brands to invest.
Volleyball seems to have structured its leagues better to ensure financial rewards.
4. Impact on Player Motivation
Many basketball players feel undervalued because they put in months of hard work only to receive little or no financial rewards.
This lack of incentives could push players to other leagues where they feel their efforts will be appreciated.
The phrase “atti twalanwina fye” (loosely translating to “we are just winning for the sake of it”) reflects the frustration—winning with no financial benefits.
5. The Risk of Losing Top Talent
If basketball remains financially unrewarding, players might:
Switch to other sports (like volleyball) where there’s better pay.
Seek opportunities abroad where leagues are more structured and offer financial security.
Lose interest in competitive basketball and play only at a casual level.
6. The Bigger Picture: The Future of Basketball in Zambia
If this trend continues, basketball might struggle to grow. Teams might struggle to retain talent, and the league might become less competitive.
Without better financial incentives, it’s hard to build a professional league that attracts fans, sponsors, and media attention.
The question is: What can be done to fix this?
Push for better league management and sponsorship deals.
Organize high-profile tournaments with financial incentives.
Increase media coverage to attract corporate investments.
Conclusion.
The frustration among players is valid. Basketball needs a stronger financial structure to keep players motivated and the league competitive. It’s time for stakeholders—league organizers, sponsors, and the federation—to step up and invest in basketball the same way volleyball is being supported.
What do you think should be the next step? Should clubs demand change from the league organizers, or should they start looking for private sponsorship deals?
BASKETBALL1O1zambia
author Williams mulamata jr
