Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) is proud to announce that the Ak- Chin Indian Community will be the presenting sponsor of the annual NABI tournament. NABI was founded in 2003 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary in July. NABI is North America’s largest all-Native American basketball tournament, representing over 150 tribal nations. This year, a record- breaking 172 teams applied to participate in the tournament.

“In being the presenting sponsor for NABI, Ak-Chin is giving Indigenous youth a chance to showcase their talents for an overall positive path moving forward,” Ak-Chin Vice-Chairman Lemuel Vincent said. “An exciting journey is on the horizon, not only for the teams, coaches, and players themselves, but for the fans and spectators as well.”

NABI is scheduled to take place July 17-23 in Phoenix, Ariz. and will feature inspiring educational components presented by the Phoenix Indian Center, including the NABI College & Career Fair and NABI Educational Youth Summit. The championship games will be played at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. Two graduating seniors will stand on the center court during halftime to receive $10,000 in college scholarships.

“Our 20th anniversary will be our biggest to date. Having Ak-Chin Indian Community alongside NABI has been instrumental in our growth and our commitment to providing a quality basketball program to our youth,” said GinaMarie Scarpa, president and founding member of NABI.

NABI semi-final and championship games will be featured on ESPN+, creating a global platform to highlight and represent the talent of Native American athletes.

Additional sponsors and supporters include Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Gila River Indian Community, Seminole Tribe of Florida, Rolling Plain Construction, University of Phoenix, Arviso Okland Construction, Freeport McMoRan, KONE, Phoenix College, Phoenix Union High School District, Phoenix Indian Center, and Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe.

To register for NABI Founder’s Golf Classic, visit www.birdease.com/NABIFoundersGolfClassic. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the NABI College Scholarship Fund and Phoenix Indian Center.

For more information on NABI, visit www.NABInation.com. To learn more about the Ak-Chin Indian Community, visit www.ak-chin.nsn.us.