NBA Closes African Academy, Consolidating Training in Abu Dhabi

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially closed its sole elite training facility on the African continent, ending a nearly decade-long initiative aimed at developing young talent in Senegal. The decision marks a significant restructuring of the league’s international player development strategy.

NBA Academy Africa, which opened in 2018, has graduated approximately 110 students, many of whom have gone on to compete at top US universities and professional levels. Notable alumni include Ulrich Kamka Chomche, who made history in 2024 as the first academy graduate drafted into the NBA, and Khaman Maluach, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns.

However, former employees argue the closure undermines support for African athletes. Michel Chikwanine, the academy’s former performance and lifestyle adviser, stated that the announcement caused an immediate drop in morale among students.

“From the moment we told them, their confidence waned, their confidence dropped,” Chikwanine said. He criticized the move as reinforcing a perception that international corporations often operate with an “extraction mindset,” prioritizing profit over genuine investment in African communities.

Michael Abbott, the former head of academic planning, echoed these sentiments, suggesting the league was more focused on the business model than on the welfare of the students. “They weren’t invested in them as kids as much as they were invested in the business model,” Abbott said.

In response to the controversy, the NBA pointed to a broader strategic shift in its global development approach. A league spokesperson noted that academies in Mexico and Australia had previously been closed as well. Moving forward, all training operations will be centralized at a new global academy scheduled to open soon in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The league maintains that this consolidation will provide players with enhanced exposure to professional coaches and scouts from around the world. Troy Justice, the NBA’s senior vice president, emphasized that the organization remains dedicated to nurturing African talent.

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact that NBA Academy Africa has had and remain committed to developing the next generation of African players,” Justice said in a statement. He highlighted ongoing commitments to the continent, including the Basketball Africa League, now in its sixth season, and the global Basketball Without Borders camps.

Despite these assurances, critics warn that requiring all African prospects to compete for spots in the UAE may limit opportunities for players who rely on the localized support systems previously provided in Senegal. The NBA denied that the closure diminishes its commitment to African basketball, asserting that other development programs continue to operate across the region.