President Kagame attended the prestigious basketball event held at Intuit Dome, where Team USA emerged victorious, defeating Team World — a squad composed of top international NBA players from various countries.
On the sidelines of the event, President Kagame also met with senior NBA officials, including Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.
Their discussions focused on the long-standing partnership between Rwanda and the NBA, particularly initiatives aimed at developing basketball and nurturing young talent across Africa. They also addressed the upcoming sixth season of the Basketball Africa League, which will conclude in Kigali from May 22–31, 2026.
According to a statement from Village Urugwiro, President Kagame also held talks with leaders from the sports and business sectors, including Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. Their conversation highlighted the growing relationship between Rwanda and the NBA, including the partnership launched last year between the Clippers and Visit Rwanda.
Bien-Aimé Expresses His Excitement
Following his meeting with President Kagame, Bien-Aimé shared his excitement on Instagram, writing:
“It is always a pleasure to meet you, Your Excellency President. Thank you for opening doors for all of us. May God bless you.”
His message reflected deep respect and appreciation for the Rwandan Head of State, particularly for his role in strengthening Africa’s global presence in sports and investment.
Bien-Aimé attended the event alongside his wife and manager, Chiki Kuruka. She also shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her love for her husband and pride in their experience at the NBA All-Star celebrations.
Although she mentioned she does not believe in “love at first sight,” she emphasized that love is a daily decision and commitment. She described celebrating Valentine’s Day together in the NBA Africa suite in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend as a special milestone in their lives — celebrating their love for Africa, the sport Bien-Aimé is passionate about, and the life they share.
She added that he makes her the happiest woman and described him as her best friend, wishing him a joyful Valentine’s Day.
NBA All-Star Game: A Global Sporting Celebration
The NBA All-Star Game once again proved to be one of the biggest sporting events in the world, bringing together the league’s top-performing players. Unlike regular-season games, the All-Star Game is not about championship points but about celebrating talent, skill, and entertainment.
Players are selected through a combination of fan votes, coaches, and media, ensuring that only the most outstanding performers of the season take part.
The 2026 edition featured a special format pitting Team USA against Team World, reflecting the NBA’s growing international influence and the diversity of talent across the globe.
Beyond the main game, All-Star Weekend also includes fan-favorite events such as the Three-Point Contest, the Slam Dunk Contest, and other skill competitions that showcase extraordinary athletic ability.
More than just a basketball game, the NBA All-Star event blends sports, entertainment, and business, serving as a global platform where leaders, celebrities, and executives connect to discuss partnerships and the continued growth of basketball worldwide.
