NBA and FIBA Announce Inaugural Men's Basketball Without Borders Next Up Camp in Istanbul
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in collaboration with the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF), have unveiled plans for the inaugural Men’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Next Up camp. This groundbreaking event, scheduled from August 26 to August 29, 2026, in Istanbul, Türkiye, will gather 78 promising young athletes from 44 nations across six continents. Participants will engage in comprehensive training sessions, including athletic assessments, skill development drills, and competitive games, all while receiving mentorship from an impressive roster of current and former NBA and FIBA players and coaches. This camp represents a significant step in the BWB program's mission to foster global basketball talent and community engagement.
The camp’s curriculum is meticulously designed to cover various aspects of basketball and personal growth. Young athletes will undergo athletic testing to assess their physical capabilities, participate in movement efficiency drills, and hone their skills through specialized development stations. Beyond on-court activities, the program integrates vital life-skills seminars, preparing these future stars for challenges both within and outside the sport. Mentorship will be provided by an esteemed group, including Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow, New Orleans Pelicans' Saddiq Bey, NBA champion Thomas Bryant of the Cavaliers, Washington Wizards' Bub Carrington, legendary NBA and Yugoslavian player Vlade Divac, former NBA and Italian national team player Danilo Gallinari, LA Clippers' Brook Lopez, Washington Wizards' Khris Middleton, Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs, and Philadelphia 76ers' Jabari Walker. This blend of current talent and seasoned experience offers an unparalleled learning environment for the attendees.
This event introduces a new chapter for the BWB initiative, coinciding with its 25th anniversary. Istanbul holds historical significance for BWB, having hosted BWB Europe camps in 2002 and 2008. The revamped BWB Next Up program will feature two annual camps: one for 80 elite male prospects and another for 80 top female prospects from outside the United States. Exceptional performers from these camps will earn the opportunity to participate in BWB All-Star camps, held in conjunction with future NBA and AT&T WNBA All-Star events. The first Women's BWB Next Up camp is slated for Fall 2026, underscoring the program's commitment to nurturing talent across all genders.
The culmination of the camp will be a ceremony on its final day, where several prestigious awards will be presented. These include the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, recognizing the most outstanding player, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award for exemplary conduct, and awards for the Three-Point Champion, Defensive MVP, and Playoff MVP. These accolades celebrate not only athletic prowess but also leadership qualities and dedication demonstrated throughout the camp.
The enduring impact of Basketball Without Borders is evident in the professional careers of its alumni. More than 50 former BWB participants were featured on NBA opening-night rosters last season, contributing to a record 135 international players in the league. Notable BWB alumni include NBA All-Stars Deni Avdija, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Pascal Siakam. Since its inception in 2001, BWB has positively influenced over 4,900 individuals from 149 countries and territories, with 155 campers successfully advancing to play in either the NBA or WNBA. The program has hosted 86 camps across 56 cities in 36 countries, spanning six continents.
Support for the Men’s BWB Next Up 2026 camp comes from Nike, a long-standing global partner of BWB since 2002. Nike will provide all participants with high-quality apparel and footwear, ensuring they are well-equipped for the intensive training and competitive atmosphere. The event emphasizes skill development and holistic growth, continuing BWB’s legacy of shaping future basketball stars and leaders. The camp underscores the global appeal and developmental vision shared by the NBA and FIBA, fostering a new generation of international basketball talent.