From February 13 to 15, 40 of the world’s best high-school-age basketball players from 29 countries and territories will convene at the UCLA Health Training Center in Los Angeles for the 10th annual Basketball Without Borders (BWB) All-Star camp. This event, part of the NBA All-Star 2026 festivities, offers top prospects an opportunity to refine their skills and gain exposure under the guidance of experienced NBA and FIBA figures.
The February announcement also revealed a redesigned BWB program featuring the launch of annual BWB Next Up camps. These two yearly gatherings will bring together the top 80 male and top 80 female prospects from outside the United States, replacing the previous regional BWB camps. The most outstanding players from these Next Up camps will earn invitations to participate in the BWB All-Star camps held during future NBA and AT&T WNBA All-Star events.
Program Revamp Intends to Strengthen Global Basketball Development
Brendan McKillop, NBA Associate Vice President and Head of Elite Basketball, emphasized the importance of this new format, stating,
“Basketball Without Borders has been a cornerstone of our global development efforts for 25 years, and this reimagined format will build upon the legacy of the program and enhance its impact on the next generation of international players,”
while further explaining the benefits of the Next Up camps:
“By bringing together the top male and female players from around the world at two ‘Next Up’ camps each year, we will strengthen the competitive experience and create a clearer pathway for the top-performing players to participate in our signature BWB All-Star camps at NBA and WNBA All-Star.”
Kimberley Gaucher, FIBA Head of Players Unit, highlighted the global inclusivity of the revamped initiative. She noted,
“As we transition to a truly global Basketball Without Borders format, we are excited to bring together young international players from every corner of the world to learn, grow and inspire one another,”
adding,
“By uniting diverse styles of play and training philosophies, we will create a more powerful learning environment that will further accelerate development and broaden perspectives for all involved. This global exchange will also help strengthen our shared commitment to growing basketball worldwide.”
Diverse International Players to Participate at UCLA Training Center
The selected 40 prospects for the 2026 BWB All-Star camp represent all major basketball regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Throughout the camp, participants will undergo athletic testing, movement efficiency evaluations, and skill development drills. They will compete in 3-on-3 contests and full 5-on-5 games directed by NBA and FIBA legends and current players like Danilo Gallinari from Italy and James Gist.
The camp’s coaching staff will also feature multiple members of the NBA Coaching Development Program (CDP), an initiative focused on assisting former players in transitioning into coaching roles. Notable coaches include former NBA players Scotty Hopson, Khalid El-Amin, Craig Smith, and former WNBA player Meighan Simmons. Camp directors are Patrick Hunt, President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches from Australia; Chris Ebersole, Director of Player Development and Experience for the Los Angeles Lakers; and Luca Desta, an experienced NBA front-office executive originally from Ethiopia.
Awards and Celebrations Highlight Player Achievements
On the camp’s last day, a ceremony will honor players who excel both on and off the court. Awards to be presented include the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the Three-Point Champion, Defensive MVP, and Playoff MVP. Later that day, campers will attend the milestone 75th NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome, providing them an invaluable experience among NBA stars and team personnel.
BWB Alumni Among Prominent NBA International Stars
The program’s impact is clearly reflected in the current NBA season, which features a record 135 international players, more than 50 of whom are BWB alumni. Distinguished former campers include notable All-Stars such as Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers, Israel; BWB Europe 2018, BWB All-Star 2019), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder, Canada; BWB All-Star 2016), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets, Canada; BWB All-Star 2015), and Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers, Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012).
This legacy underscores the program’s integral role in preparing players for professional success.
Partnerships and Global Outreach Sustain Program Growth
Nike, a long-term global partner of Basketball Without Borders since 2002, will provide apparel and footwear for camp participants. Gatorade will supply hydration throughout the event to support players and coaching staff. Since its inception in 2001, BWB has impacted over 4,900 participants representing 149 countries and territories. To date, 143 former campers have progressed to play in the NBA or WNBA, demonstrating the program’s vital role in scouting and developing basketball talent across six continents through 84 camps in 56 cities.
What Lies Ahead for the Basketball Without Borders Initiative
With the introduction of the annual BWB Next Up camps, the program is positioned to further extend its reach and enhance global competition among emerging players. These camps promise to create a more structured progression path toward the prestigious BWB All-Star camps, increasing opportunities for elite international talent to showcase their abilities on a global stage.
The locations and dates for the upcoming BWB Next Up camps are expected to be announced soon, marking a new chapter in worldwide basketball development and community engagement. As the program continues to unite young athletes with seasoned professionals and coaches, its influence will likely grow, promoting basketball’s expansion and inspiring the next generation of players.
