11
Nov
3 min read
Basketball blow as NBA shuts down academy
NBA Global Academy graduate Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls passes the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
Two of three NBA Global Academies, including Australia, to close
- NBA to close Global Academy in Australia and Latin America Academy in Mexico by July 2025
- New Global hub planned, potentially in Asia or Middle East
- Focus shifting to developing talent in larger, nontraditional basketball markets
The NBA has announced a major restructuring of its Academy program, with plans to close two of its three existing academies by July 2025 as part of a strategic shift in its global youth basketball development strategy.
Changing Landscape of NBA Academies
Troy Justice, NBA head of international basketball operations, revealed that the Global Academy in Australia and Latin America Academy in Mexico will cease operations at the conclusion of their seasons in July 2025. These academies, established in 2017 and 2018 respectively, have produced notable NBA draft picks including Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Bennedict Mathurin.
The restructuring aims to reallocate resources towards identifying and developing talent in larger, nontraditional basketball countries without existing high-level infrastructure. Priority markets for the NBA's globalisation efforts now include China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, and Japan.
"This is a strategic move," Justice explained.
"Changing locations and reallocating resources to be in places where we can help provide opportunities to more players in underrepresented countries. Our goal is to grow the game globally, increase the level of play around the world, and help those who need it most."
Future Plans and New Hub
While the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal will remain operational, the league plans to establish a new Global Academy hub in a more centrally located country. Asia or the Middle East are considered likely locations, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a strong contender due to the NBA's growing presence in the United Arab Emirates.
The decision to restructure was influenced by several factors, including the high cost of operating multiple academies and logistical challenges associated with the Australian location. The NBA aims to increase representation on its rosters, targeting players from 80 countries instead of the current 43.
Continued Investment in Africa
The NBA's commitment to Africa remains strong, with the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal continuing to produce promising talents like projected 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach. The success of players like Maluach reaffirms the NBA's belief in the Academy concept and its potential to identify and develop elite international talent.
As the NBA Academy program evolves, the league plans to increase roster sizes at its remaining academies to provide more opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds. The restructuring represents a pivotal moment in the NBA's global development strategy, focusing on creating meaningful impact in key markets while continuing to invest in youth basketball worldwide.
