The National Basketball Association (NBA) has closed its sole elite training academy in Africa, less than a decade after it was launched in Senegal to prepare promising young African players for professional leagues in the US and elsewhere. The academy, which was established in 2018, had trained around 110 students, with many moving on to elite schools and universities in the US. Some graduates were even drafted into the NBA.
The decision to close the academy was a blow to students and young players across the continent, who had seen the facility as a pathway to professional basketball careers. Michel Chikwanine, a former performance and lifestyle adviser at the academy, said the news was discouraging for African players who were just beginning to build confidence. He noted that the closure would limit opportunities for African players, who often come from challenging backgrounds and need specific support.
The NBA said the decision to close the academy reflected a shift in its global basketball development strategy. The league has previously closed academies in Mexico and Australia, and all training will now be run out of a new global academy to open soon in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The NBA added that it is continuing to invest in African talent through other programs, such as the Basketball Africa League and Basketball Without Borders.
The closure of the academy has been met with criticism from former employees, who said it showed a lack of commitment to the students. Michael Abbott, a former head of academic planning at the academy, said the NBA was more invested in the business model than in the students themselves. Chikwanine also expressed concerns that the NBA's decision reinforced a message felt by many Africans that big companies come to the continent claiming to want to invest in people, but in reality, just want to make money.
Despite the criticism, the NBA said it remains committed to developing the next generation of African players. Troy Justice, NBA senior vice president, said the league was proud of the impact that NBA Academy Africa had had and would continue to support youth development initiatives on the continent. The league cited examples such as the Basketball Africa League, which has concluded six seasons, and Basketball Without Borders, which organizes elite training camps for youths worldwide, including in Africa.
The academy had produced several successful graduates, including Ulrich Kamka Chomche of Cameroon, who became the first player to be drafted into the NBA in 2024 and played for the Toronto Raptors. Khaman Maluach of South Sudan, a former academy student, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. The closure of the academy means that African prospects will have to compete globally for spots in the UAE, which could be a more challenging and less personalized experience.
The NBA's decision to close the academy has sparked concerns about the impact on African players and the continent's basketball development. While the league maintains that it remains committed to African talent, the closure of the academy has raised questions about the effectiveness of its youth development initiatives and the level of support provided to African players. The NBA will need to demonstrate that its alternative programs can provide the same level of support and opportunities for African players.
Key points
- The NBA has closed its sole elite training academy in Africa, a blow to students and young players across the continent.
- The academy had trained around 110 students since its launch in 2018, with many moving on to elite schools and universities in the US.
- The NBA maintains that it remains committed to developing the next generation of African players through other programs, such as the Basketball Africa League and Basketball Without Borders.
