An NBA franchise being set up in Mexico? That’s not going to happen anytime soon, but Mexicans can content themselves with the fact that the NBA is set to build a hoops academy in Mexico City similar to what the NBA has put up in other places around the world.
The NBA will announce a new basketball development and training academy in Mexico City during the Global Games Dec. 7 and 9, in conjunction with CONADE (Mexico's National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport) and the Mexican Basketball Federation, sources told ESPN.
Apart from the current count of 26 G League teams, the NBA has also constructed six basketball academies abroad, which are located in China, India, Australia, and Senegal. The NBA also has a global hub situated in Australia. The main purpose of these institutions is to serve as a channel of opportunity for foreign players who do not normally have access to topnotch basketball facilities and coaching.
In addition, this is also a way for the NBA to enrich the basketball culture in countries where the sport isn’t usually at the forefront of the society’s athletic consciousness.
By setting up an academy in Mexico, the country is a step closer to having its own NBA team but it’s more feasible to expect a G League team first.
Down the road, Mexico City could emerge as the 31st G League franchise, where prospects from the seven academies graduate up to, according to sources. They would have an opportunity to play competitive games against pro competition, which should accelerate their development.
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