Courtside, Episode 12: NCAA, new eldorado for young players, to French basketball’s regret?
Courtside, Episode 12: NCAA, new eldorado for young players, to French basketball’s regret?
May 19, 2025
Bebasket Editorial Team
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona threaten to close their youth academies due to NCAA talent exodus
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are not immune to the exodus of European talents to NCAA, attracted by both sporting and financial opportunities. To address this, the two historic clubs have decided to consider closing their youth academies in the absence of international regulation. The Spanish rivals plan to reallocate their youth budget to their first teams, both of which were eliminated in the EuroLeague playoff quarterfinals.
The exodus of European talents to NCAA isn’t just affecting French basketball – our Iberian neighbors are also concerned. Among the most affected clubs are FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. According to Marca, the two rivals are considering a radical measure: closing their youth academies.
Youth funds redirected to first teams?
A radical decision, justified by the talent drain these Spanish giants have been experiencing since the implementation of NIL. Sidi Gueye, Ismaila Diagne, Jan Vide or Egor Demin for Madrid, Dame Sarr and Kasparas Jakucionis for Barcelona. The list of departures grows each season. According to the Spanish media, funds currently allocated to youth teams could be redirected to first teams. Both rivals are indeed suffering from heavy financial debt at the moment. However, the two clubs, qualified for the Liga Endesa playoffs, might reverse this decision if international regulation is implemented, as FIBA demands.
La @FIBA se alinea con el cabreo de @RMBaloncesto y @FCBbasket y tomará medidas para frenar la fuga de talentos a la @NCAA https://t.co/P3MEuuNo3t pic.twitter.com/DSytMDP2SC
— MARCA Baloncesto (@MarcaBasket) May 21, 2025
FIBA has decided to align with both clubs’ decision and has finally taken action against this mass exodus. The international organization wants to implement an authorization letter that prospects would need to request from their clubs before committing. In Spain, projects are underway to create a league with reserve teams from 18 elite clubs so young players can develop locally, similar to the Espoirs championship in France. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in Abu Dhabi to compete in the 2025 ANGT finals.
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