Much has changed on the global basketball scene since the original Dream Team stormed its way to Olympic gold in 1992. Today, basketball is a fixture in most countries around the world. In fact, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced in October 2022 that 120 international players from 40 countries were scheduled on the opening-night rosters for the 2022-23 season, including a record number of players from Canada (22) and Australia (10) and a record-tying five players from Nigeria. There is no doubt that basketball is closing the gap on soccer’s stronghold as the world’s most popular sport with leagues in the Philippines, China, Spain, Turkey, Canada, Nigeria, and others.

Charlotte Hornets, originally known as the Bobcats, joined the NBA in 2004 as the league’s 30th franchise. Basketball legend Michael Jordan, a native of North Carolina, became minority owner and general manager of the team in 2006 before buying a majority share of the team from Robert L. Johnson, an American media mogul in 2010. The Bobcats franchise was renamed the Charlotte Hornets in May 2014. The team’s name refers to the “hornet’s nest” of American rebels in Charlotte during the American Revolution. Interesting fact: That (Hornets) was the name of the NBA team that was based in Charlotte from 1988 to 2002, before it moved to New Orleans and eventually became known as the Pelicans.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 for a presentation with Fred Whitfield, President and Vice Chairman of the NBA Charlotte Hornets as he offers insight into the Hornets’ impact both regionally and globally. Whitfield will also share his perspective on major  challenges facing the professional basketball and sports industry in the midst of a global pandemic, and the direction of the Hornets’ charitable giving and philanthropic efforts in our region including renovations to Grier Heights Community Center and support for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina’s mission to end food insecurity among children. 

 

 

 

Program Information: 

Date:
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
VIP Reception:
11:30 – 12:00 PM ET
Lunch & Presentation: 
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location:
Hilton Charlotte Uptown Directions
Cost:
$55 (WACC Member Rate)
$75 (Non-Member Rate)
$35 (WACC Student Member / Teacher Member / YPWACC Member Rate)

  • Please call 704-687-772 for credit card payments over the phone.
  • Checks can be mailed to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223.”