The NBA is closing its elite training facility in Senegal after eight years, with the NBA Academy Africa’s elite development programme transitioning to the NBA Global Academy that will be based in Abu Dhabi.

The Senegal-based facility opened in 2017 and trained roughly 110 players. Its alumni include Khaman Maluach and Ulrich Chomche, both of whom reached the NBA.

According to the NBA, the move is part of their broader global approach to elite player development, as basketball opportunities in Africa have expanded significantly since the academy was launched.

The NBA said the decision reflects its belief that a single global academy can provide elite prospects with more opportunities to train and compete regularly with top players from different regions, while increasing their exposure to collegiate and professional coaches and scouts.

The NBA Academy Africa was established to identify and develop some of Africa’s top high-school-age prospects, providing a structured pathway towards college and professional basketball. Its programme also included education, leadership, character development, health and wellness, and life-skills training.

The NBA Global Academy, according to officials, will provide an international development pathway for elite African prospects.