The NBA has closed its only 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 United States and elsewhere. The decision to close NBA Academy Africa was a blow to students and young players across the continent, two former employees said. Michel Chikwanine, who had been the academy’s performance and lifestyle adviser, said late on Thursday that the news discouraged African players just beginning to build confidence.
Michael Abbott, former head of academic planning at the academy, said it showed a lack of commitment to the students. In response to questions from the news agency, the NBA said the decision reflected a shift in global basketball development strategy. It has previously closed academies in Mexico and Australia.
All training will be run out of a new global academy to open soon in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, it said. In its statement, the NBA added that it is continuing to invest in African talent through other programmes and closing the academy does not signal a diminished commitment to the continent. It cited examples such as the creation of a Basketball Africa League, which has concluded six seasons, and Basketball Without Borders, which organises elite training camps for young people worldwide, including in Africa.
NBA Academy Africa has trained about 110 students since launching in Senegal in 2018, Abbott said, and many have moved on to elite schools and universities in the US. The most successful students were drafted into the NBA. Graduate Ulrich Kamka Chomche of Cameroon became the first player to be drafted into the NBA in 2024 and played for the Toronto Raptors.
Former academy student Khaman Maluach of South Sudan plays for the Phoenix Suns. Chikwanine said closing the academy will limit opportunities for African players, who often come from challenging backgrounds and need specific support. All African prospects will have to compete globally for spots in the UAE.
He said 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. It said training all young players at a single location would give them greater exposure to professional coaches and scouts worldwide.
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