NBA Closes Sole Elite Basketball Academy in Africa

The NBA has shut down its only elite training academy in Africa, located in Senegal, which had been preparing promising young African basketball players for professional leagues since its launch in 2018. The closure of NBA Academy Africa has caused disappointment among young players and former staff members on the continent.

The NBA stated that this decision reflects a shift in its global basketball development strategy. The organization plans to consolidate all its training activities at a new global academy set to open in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Highlights

• The NBA closed its sole African academy, which was launched in Senegal in 2018.
• The decision has been criticized by young African players and former academy employees.
• The NBA had previously closed academies in Mexico and Australia as part of its global strategy shift.
• All elite training will now be conducted at a new global academy opening soon in Abu Dhabi.
• The NBA affirms its continued investment in African talent through other programs like the Basketball Africa League and Basketball Without Borders.

Details

Since its inception in 2018, NBA Academy Africa has trained approximately 110 students. Notable alumni include Ulrich Kamka Chomche from Cameroon, who became the first academy graduate drafted into the NBA in 2024 (playing for the Toronto Raptors), and Khaman Maluach from South Sudan (playing for the Phoenix Suns). The academy also helped many students secure places in elite schools and universities in the US.

Former academy employees Michel Chikwanine and Michael Abbott argued that the closure undermined the confidence of young players and suggested the NBA was not sufficiently invested in the students. Chikwanine noted that African players often come from challenging backgrounds and require specific support, expressing concern that the decision would limit their opportunities.

The NBA, however, denied that closing the academy would restrict opportunities for young African players. The organization stated that training all young players at a single location would provide them with greater exposure to professional coaches and scouts worldwide. Troy Justice, NBA Senior Vice President, commented, "We're incredibly proud of the impact that NBA Academy Africa has had and remain committed to developing the next generation of African players."

Why it matters

The closure of the NBA's only elite basketball academy in Africa could impact the development and access to professional leagues for young talent on the continent. This decision, which centralizes the NBA's global strategy in a single hub in Abu Dhabi, raises concerns that African players might face increased challenges in international competition. However, the NBA maintains its commitment to Africa through other ongoing programs.