The NBA’s ambitious venture to cultivate young talent across the globe is undergoing a major transformation. In a move signaling a shift in its global youth basketball development strategy, the league has announced plans to close its Academies in Australia and Mexico by July 2025 while expanding its presence in key emerging markets.
Realigning Resources for Maximum Impact
According to Troy Justice, NBA head of international basketball operations, this strategic restructuring aims to allocate resources more effectively to countries with untapped potential but lacking high-level basketball infrastructure. The league’s primary focus will be on markets deemed essential for the NBA’s long-term globalization and revenue growth, such as China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, and Japan.
“This is a strategic move. 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,”
Troy Justice, NBA head of international basketball operations
The NBA’s Academy venture, launched in 2017, has produced impressive results, with five draft picks from Australia and Canada in the past three years alone, including top-10 selections Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and Bennedict Mathurin. However, the high costs of operating multiple academies and the logistical challenges of convincing elite prospects to relocate to distant locations have prompted the league to reevaluate its approach.
Promising Prospects and Potential Destinations
While the Academies in Australia and Mexico will close, the NBA Africa Academy in Senegal will continue to operate, having already produced its first drafted player in 2023 with Ulrich Chomche. The program also boasts a potential future star in 7-foot-2 Khaman Maluach, a projected 2025 lottery pick currently playing at Duke University.
As for the location of the new Global Academy hub, Asia and the Middle East are leading contenders, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a particularly strong option given the NBA’s growing presence in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has hosted numerous NBA preseason games, USA Basketball exhibitions, and youth development camps in recent years, and the league’s in-season tournament was recently rebranded as the Emirates NBA Cup as part of a significant sponsorship deal.
Expanding Opportunities and Ecosystem Development
Moving forward, the NBA plans to increase roster sizes at its remaining Academies to provide more opportunities for players from countries around the world, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The league will also continue to invest in global coaching development through its Jr. NBA programs and NBA basketball schools.
“This is a long-term investment. We’ve been at it for eight years and have seen incredible results. We’re looking to build ecosystems and expand basketball globally in a way that has meaningful impact,”
Troy Justice
As the NBA navigates this pivotal moment in its global talent development strategy, the league remains committed to its vision of increasing international representation on its rosters and growing the game worldwide. By focusing on underserved markets and building sustainable basketball ecosystems, the NBA hopes to unlock the potential of countless young players and shape the future of the sport on a global scale.
