# NBA international player development restructuring > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-international-player-development-restructuring > Updated: 2026-10-07T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The NBA has restructured its international player development strategy, shifting focus from its dedicated African academy to broader global initiatives. The league closed the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal after eight years of operation, which had trained approximately 110 players. NBA officials described the move as a “strategic shift” to consolidate efforts at a new global academy in Abu Dhabi, where African prospects will compete alongside players from other regions. Following this transition, the league has implemented new development programs in various locations. In Abu Dhabi, the NBA and the Department of Culture and Tourism hosted the inaugural NBA Academy Select Showcase, featuring 36 high-school-age prospects from 15 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Additionally, the NBA expanded its youth outreach in Macao through a partnership with Sands China, providing professional training sessions for hundreds of young players from Macao, Hong Kong, and mainland China. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: NBA hosts youth basketball development initiatives in Macao and Abu Dhabi The NBA hosted youth basketball development events in Macao, through a community impact week, and in Abu Dhabi, via the inaugural NBA Academy Select Showcase. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-hosts-youth-basketball-development-initiatives-in-macao-and-abu-dhabi ### 2026-10-01: NBA closes elite training academy in Senegal The NBA has closed its elite training academy in Senegal, shifting its international player development focus to a new global academy in Abu Dhabi. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-closes-elite-training-academy-in-senegal --- Cite as: NBA international player development restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-international-player-development-restructuring