Williams appointed to lead NBL’s commercialisation arm

The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) has appointed Christopher Williams as the new chair of the National Basketball League (NBL) commercial arm ahead of the 2026 basketball season.

In a press release, JaBA President Paulton Gordon confirmed Williams’ appointment and said this has been years in the making.

Gordon explained that the association has held informal discussions with Williams for several years regarding the role, and the two parties came to a formal agreement that now was the perfect time for Williams to come on board.

Following a recent surge in the sport’s popularity, largely due to the island’s historic performances in the FIBA Americas Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, JaBA is hoping to create a new semi-professional platform for the local league.

The association is confident Williams is the right fit for the role, and pointed to his previous experience as chairman of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL).

Williams served as the chairman of the PFJL for five years before handing in his resignation in June last year.

Throughout his time with the PFJL, Williams was largely credited for the improvement in the organisation and commercialisation of the Jamaica Premier League.

Williams role with the NBL will see him in charge of the commercialisation and organisation of the basketball league.

In accepting his role, Williams said he is eager to join JaBA’s ranks, and believes the potential is there to boost the NBL’s profile.

“I am honoured that JaBA has offered me this opportunity to again serve my island,” Williams said.

“Basketball has the global popularity, speed, and athleticism to drive engagement. And when you combine that with the amazing brand and vibe of Jamaica; it will be epic. I am confident we can create a semi-professional structure and offer players an opportunity to earn from their talents.”

Williams will be working alongside Denzil Wilks, the NBL’s competition committee chairman.

The two are jointly tasked with raising the quality and visibility of Jamaica’s local basketball league.

Williams’ appointment to the NBL came alongside calls from the football community for his return as chairman of the PFJL.

These calls, spearheaded by Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, chairman of Montego Bay United, come after the recent resignation of Livingstone Morrison, who had initially replaced Williams as PFJL chairman.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com