**NBA Closes Sole Africa Training Academy in Blow to Young Players**
*Published on October 2, 2026*
In a significant development for basketball in Africa, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the closure of its only elite training facility on the continent, NBA Academy Africa. Launched in 2018 in Senegal, the academy was designed to nurture promising young players from Africa and prepare them for professional careers in basketball, both in the United States and globally.
The decision to shut down the academy has been met with disappointment from former employees and players who benefited from its programs. Michel Chikwanine, who served as the academy’s performance and lifestyle adviser, expressed concern over the impact of the closure on the confidence of young African players. “From the moment we told them, their confidence waned, their confidence dropped,” he stated, highlighting the emotional toll the news has taken on students.
Michael Abbott, the former head of academic planning at the academy, criticized the NBA's decision, suggesting it reflects a lack of commitment to the young athletes. “They weren’t invested in them as kids as much as they were invested in the business model,” Abbott remarked, emphasizing the need for a more supportive environment for these aspiring athletes.
In response to inquiries regarding the closure, the NBA indicated that the decision is part of a broader shift in its global basketball development strategy. The organization has previously closed academies in other regions, including Mexico and Australia. The NBA plans to centralize training at a new global academy set to open in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. According to the league, this new approach aims to provide young players with enhanced exposure to professional coaches and scouts from around the world.
Despite the closure of NBA Academy Africa, the NBA maintains that it remains committed to fostering talent on the continent. The league pointed to other initiatives, such as the Basketball Africa League, which has completed six successful seasons, and the Basketball Without Borders program, which organizes elite training camps for young athletes globally, including in Africa.
Since its inception, NBA Academy Africa has trained approximately 110 students, many of whom have progressed to elite schools and universities in the United States. Notably, graduates like Ulrich Kamka Chomche of Cameroon and Khaman Maluach from South Sudan have made significant strides in their basketball careers, with Maluach being selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and currently playing for the Phoenix Suns.
Chikwanine emphasized that the closure of the academy will limit opportunities for African players, particularly those from challenging backgrounds who require tailored support. He expressed concern that the NBA's decision reinforces a perception among Africans that large corporations often come to the continent with promises of investment but are primarily motivated by profit. “There is a huge mistrust that has been built,” he said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the region.
In contrast, NBA senior vice president Troy Justice expressed pride in the academy's impact and reiterated the league's commitment to developing the next generation of African players. He stated that the closure of the academy does not signify a reduction in support for African talent, emphasizing the ongoing youth development initiatives that continue to operate across the continent.
As the basketball community processes this decision, the future of young African players seeking to break into professional basketball remains uncertain. The closure of NBA Academy Africa marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of basketball development in the region, raising questions about the accessibility of resources and opportunities for aspiring athletes in Africa.