--- title: "NBA Closes Elite Training Academy in Senegal" url: https://noti.group/nba-closes-elite-training-academy-in-senegal/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-02T09:26:14.000Z updated: 2026-10-02T10:28:03.943Z id: 0becb15d-d3ef-427b-8dbc-dc6662decc55 source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/2/nba-closes-sole-africa-training-academy-in-blow-to-young-players?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/nba-closes-elite-training-academy-in-senegal/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # NBA Closes Elite Training Academy in Senegal The National Basketball Association has closed its elite training academy in Senegal due to a lack of investment in students. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has made the decision to close its elite training academy in Senegal, marking a significant setback for young African basketball players seeking to make it into professional leagues. The closure of NBA Academy Africa comes less than a decade after its launch, which aimed to provide promising young players with the skills and training necessary to compete at an international level. The academy had been seen as a vital resource for African players looking to break into the US market, but now its future is uncertain. Former employees of the academy have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the decision, citing the impact it will have on students who were just beginning to build confidence in their abilities. Michel Chikwanine, who served as the performance and lifestyle adviser at the academy, said that news of the closure had a demoralizing effect on young players. According to Chikwanine, the students' confidence waned significantly after learning about the academy's closure, making it difficult for them to maintain their motivation. Michael Abbott, former head of academic planning at the academy, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the NBA's decision was driven by a lack of investment in the students themselves. The NBA has stated that the closure of the Senegal academy is part of a broader shift in its global basketball development strategy, with training operations to be consolidated under a new global academy set to open soon in Abu Dhabi. The NBA's decision to close its sole training academy in Africa has been met with concerns from local players and officials who fear it will limit opportunities for young talent on the continent. Despite the closure, the league is continuing to invest in African basketball through various programmes, including the creation of a professional Basketball Africa League, which has completed six successful seasons. This league provides a platform for top teams from across Africa to compete against each other and develop their skills. Additionally, the NBA's elite training camps, known as Basketball Without Borders, continue to offer opportunities for young players in Africa. The NBA Academy Africa, which was launched in Senegal in 2018, has provided a vital pathway for African players to access elite basketball education and compete at the highest level. Since its inception, the academy has trained over 110 students, many of whom have gone on to secure places at top universities and colleges in the US. The most successful graduates include Ulrich Kamka Chomche from Cameroon, who became the first player to be drafted into the NBA in 2024, and Khaman Maluach from South Sudan, who plays for the Phoenix Suns. The closure of the academy has been met with criticism from those who believe it will disproportionately affect African players, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Chikwanine, a former student at the academy, expressed concerns that without this specific support system in place, young players from Africa will have to compete globally for spots in leagues like the NBA, which can be a significant challenge. The closure of the NBA Academy Africa has sparked concerns about the future prospects of young players from the continent. The academy was seen as a vital support system for these athletes, providing them with training and resources to compete globally. However, critics argue that without this specific setup in place, African players will have to navigate the competitive landscape on their own. The NBA maintains that closing the academy will actually provide young players with greater opportunities to be scouted by professional coaches and teams worldwide. The league points out that several other youth development initiatives continue to operate in Africa, indicating a commitment to nurturing local talent. Despite this assurance, many remain skeptical about the long-term implications of this decision on the careers of African basketball hopefuls. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/2/nba-closes-sole-africa-training-academy-in-blow-to-young-players?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/nba-closes-elite-training-academy-in-senegal/