The NBA is set to close its development academies in both Mexico and Australia, marking a significant shift in its global development strategy. These academies, which have fostered talent since their inception, will officially cease operations this coming July.
In contrast, the association will maintain its academy in Senegal, reflecting its commitment to enhancing basketball development across Africa, as the league positions the continent as a key area of focus in its international strategy.
Additionally, the league is actively exploring the establishment of a new academy in a region where basketball infrastructure is in need of development. The NBA is considering options in the Middle East and Asia, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a prime candidate for this anticipated hub, though no decision has been finalized yet.
“We are evolving the NBA Academy program’s footprint as we continue discussions to launch a new global hub for top prospects from around the world,” said Troy Justice, the NBA’s head of international basketball operations. “Given the existing basketball infrastructures in Australia and Latin America, we are shifting our elite basketball development efforts in those regions to multi-day events and programs, including Basketball Without Borders, that will continue to positively impact elite-level players. We are incredibly proud of the NBA Academy’s impact and the successes of its student-athletes, and we look forward to continuing to provide impactful development opportunities to top prospects from Australia, Latin America and around the world.”
ESPN was the first to report this significant shift in the NBA’s development approach.
The NBA launched its global academy in Australia in 2017 and opened its Latin American academy in Mexico City in 2018. This initiative aimed to broaden the league’s footprint and create more substantial pathways for aspiring players from those regions. However, due to the robust existing basketball structures and ample opportunities for players in Australia and Latin America, the NBA is now seeking regions with untapped potential for expansion. Currently, each academy hosts roughly a dozen players, and those who do not graduate after this year will receive assistance from the league in finding placements elsewhere.
If the NBA moves forward with an academy in the UAE, it would significantly strengthen its burgeoning relationship with the Gulf region. The NBA has been proactive in this area, holding preseason games in Abu Dhabi since 2022, and has secured sponsorship from Emirates Airlines for the NBA Cup. Furthermore, the league has introduced junior NBA programs in the UAE, and Team USA has played exhibition games in Abu Dhabi. An official tourism promotion company for Abu Dhabi is also a jersey patch sponsor for the New York Knicks.
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(Photo: Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)
**Interview with Troy Justice, Head of International Basketball Operations at the NBA**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Troy. The NBA’s decision to close its development academies in Australia and Mexico is quite significant. Can you share what led to this decision?
**Troy Justice:** Thank you for having me. The decision to close the academies in Australia and Mexico comes after a thorough evaluation of our global development strategy. While we’ve seen success in these regions, we believe it’s time to reallocate our resources to areas with greater potential for growth. We’re particularly focused on enhancing our presence in Africa and exploring opportunities in the Middle East and Asia.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the NBA’s ongoing commitment to Africa by keeping the academy in Senegal. Why do you see Africa as a key area for basketball development?
**Troy Justice:** Africa has a rich talent pool and a growing passion for basketball. By maintaining our academy in Senegal, we can continue to nurture and develop players who perhaps might not have access to elite training otherwise. Our goal is to capitalize on that potential and provide more pathways for athletes to reach the NBA.
**Interviewer:** Looking to the future, you mentioned the possibility of a new academy in the UAE or other parts of the Middle East and Asia. What factors are you considering in selecting this location?
**Troy Justice:** We’re looking for regions where basketball infrastructure is underdeveloped but where there is a strong interest and potential for growth. The UAE, for example, has expressed a growing commitment to sports, including basketball, and could serve as a strategic hub for our new academy. We want to create a facility that can elevate the level of play and provide opportunities for promising players in that area.
**Interviewer:** What does this shift in strategy mean for aspiring basketball players in Australia and Mexico who benefited from the academies?
**Troy Justice:** It’s important to acknowledge the impact that our academies in those regions have had. While we are closing those specific programs, we are not abandoning the players or their futures. We encourage those aspiring athletes to continue to pursue their goals, and we’re committed to finding new ways to support talent development globally, which will include virtual training, partnerships with existing programs, and more.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Troy, for your insights. It seems like a transformative time for the NBA’s global outreach, and we look forward to seeing how these changes unfold.
**Troy Justice:** Thank you! We’re excited about the future and committed to making basketball more accessible and competitive around the world.