Courtside, Episode 12: NCAA, the 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 talent exodus to NCAA
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are not immune to the European talent drain to NCAA, attracted by both sporting and financial prospects. In response, these two historic clubs are considering 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 talent to the 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 to be redirected to first teams?
This radical decision is justified by the talent drain these Spanish giants have been experiencing since the implementation of NIL. Sidi Gueye, Ismaila Diagne, Jan Vide, and Egor Demin from Madrid, Dame Sarr and Kasparas Jakucionis from 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 currently. However, the two clubs, qualified for Liga Endesa playoffs, might reconsider this decision if international regulation is implemented, as requested by FIBA.
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 the two clubs’ position 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.
FIBA wants to « engage in dialogue with NCAA » and require exit letters
May 15, 2025
Alexandre Lacoste
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