Ian Mahinmi is a 13-year NBA Veteran born in France to a Beninese father and a Jamaican
mother. Drafted in 2005 by the San Antonio Spurs, Ian would spend the early stages of his
development under future Hall Famer Coach Gregg Popowich. He went on to play for the Dallas
Mavericks, with whom he won his first NBA title in 2011 alongside his dear friend and teammate
Dirk Nowitzki. Ian would spend the second half of his career with the Indiana Pacers and the
Washington Wizards.
In 2017, Ian began his philanthropic efforts by founding the I AM Foundation. The non-profit
organization is dedicated to advancing youth through service, mentorship, and leadership and
operates within the United States, France, and Benin.
Passionate for the game’s growth in Africa, in 2020, Ian made both a personal and strategic
decision to retire from the NBA, opening up the opportunity for him to become an NBA Africa
investor. In 2022 Ian was appointed as a BAL Ambassador, and he since has made it his
mission to promote the league globally by emphasizing the economic opportunities and social
impact for future generations.
Being the first Beninese to play in the NBA, Ian has embraced the responsibility to ensure the
successful growth of basketball in his country. He has spent many off-seasons developing the
game at the grassroots level. In May 2022, Ian made headlines by facilitating a historic
agreement between NBA Africa and the Republic of Benin Ministry of Sports.
An entrepreneur at heart, in addition to launching the French Deal clothing line, Ian recently
founded a Company. Based in Benin, Tailoring Sports Investments services the public and
private sectors. His goal is to assist and accompany building economically sustainable
infrastructures, leagues, sports activations, and train-to-work programming. To accelerate the
growth of the sports industry in Benin and Africa.
When not with the BAL and NBA Africa, you can find Ian in Benin, a country he says with pride
is the blueprint for the success of sports & and entertainment in Africa.