Kobe Bryant has been made an ambassador for the 2019 basketball World Cup in China.

The five-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist made the announcement on Twitter.

Bryant joins former NBA rival Yao Ming, now leading the Chinese Basketball Association, as ambassadors for the revamped tournament.

The first 32-nation World Cup will be played from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 in eight cities.

The competition draw is set for March 16 in Shenzhen.