NBA closes sole Africa training academy in blow to young players | Basketball
NBA Shifts Focus to New Global Academy Amid Closures in Africa and Beyond
Published Oct. 2, 2026 – The NBA has announced the closure of its only elite training academy in Africa, which was established in Senegal in 2018 to cultivate promising young talent for professional leagues in the United States and elsewhere. The decision has raised concerns among former employees and students about the impact on aspiring players across the continent.
Michel Chikwanine, a former performance and lifestyle adviser at NBA Academy Africa, expressed disappointment following the announcement. “From the moment we told them, their confidence waned,” he said, referring to the students who had been encouraged to pursue their basketball ambitions at the academy.
Michael Abbott, the former head of academic planning, criticized the decision as indicative of the NBA’s diminished commitment to its African students. “They weren’t invested in them as kids as much as they were invested in the business model,” Abbott commented.
In response to inquiries from Reuters, the NBA stated that the closure is part of a broader shift in its global basketball development strategy. It noted previous closures of its academies in Mexico and Australia and confirmed that all training will now be centralized at a new global academy set to open in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Despite the closure, the NBA affirmed its commitment to supporting African talent through various programs. The league highlighted initiatives such as the Basketball Africa League, which has completed six seasons, and Basketball Without Borders, which organizes elite training camps for young players worldwide, including in Africa.
Since its inception, NBA Academy Africa has trained approximately 110 students, many of whom have progressed to prestigious schools and universities in the United States, with some achieving success in the NBA. Ulrich Kamka Chomche, a graduate from Cameroon, made history as the first player drafted into the NBA in 2024 and now plays for the Toronto Raptors. Another former academy student, Khaman Maluach of South Sudan, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns.
Chikwanine argues that closing the academy will restrict opportunities for African players, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds that require tailored support. He emphasized that all African prospects will now face increased competition for limited spots in the UAE.
“This reinforces the belief that major companies come to Africa claiming to invest in people, while in reality they are focused on profit,” Chikwanine said, reflecting a sentiment of distrust that exists in the region.
The NBA contested that the closure would limit opportunities, asserting that consolidating training in one location will enhance exposure to professional coaches and scouts globally. “We’re incredibly proud of the impact that NBA Academy Africa has had and remain committed to developing the next generation of African players,” said Troy Justice, NBA’s senior vice president. Justice also noted that several youth development initiatives will continue on the continent.
