MIES (Switzerland) - The success of the global basketball development collaboration between FIBA and the NBA has been recognized and highlighted with the publication of a report celebrating 25 years of the flagship Basketball Without Borders (BWB) program.
Created in 2001 to identify and elevate the world's most promising young players, while also promoting values, community engagement and securing positive pathways in sport; what began as a single camp in Europe has grown into a worldwide platform connecting elite youth athletes with the highest levels of the game.
More than 600 current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players and coaches have supported the young athletes taking part. These players and coaches have been at the heart of BWB’s identity throughout its impressive evolution over time, with many inspired campers following in their footsteps and going on to play at the elite level.
BWB has also strengthened National Federations by assisting with earlier talent identification, providing benchmarking against regional and global peers, providing elite coaching exposure, faster readiness for U16 to U19 age group competitions and smoothing a pathway towards Senior National Teams selection.
The program has also had a positive impact on the NBA, establishing itself as a recognized global talent pathway. The impact on the WNBA is also likely to grow significantly, with full gender parity for BWB set in place since 2023.
More than talent camps, BWB has also delivered a lasting social impact by advancing life skills education and community engagement. It has also built technical standards across host countries, including training for coaches and referees.
Meanwhile. the truly global nature and reach of BWB at this 25th landmark is also striking - as are so many of the outcomes that have been highlighted within the report.
Key Outcomes
BWB has delivered 84 camps in 36 countries, for 4,939 participants from 152 different National Federations
A total of 2,651 campers have represented Youth National Teams on the global stage
A total of 1,490 have went on to play with Senior National Teams
A total of 112 participants have played in the NBA, with another 13 making the WNBA
A total of 10,000 coaches and 500 referees trained
More than 150 life skill sessions and more than 100 socially responsible activations.
(Note: numbers are calculated to the end of 2025)
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis stated: "Celebrating 25 years of Basketball Without Borders is a very special milestone for our sport. We are proud of our long-standing collaboration with the NBA and of the global platform we have built together to connect communities, develop talent and create opportunities for players and coaches around the world.
"BWB reflects FIBA's commitment to youth development and international collaboration. It has also helped strengthen National Federations and support the growth of the game at every level. We look forward to building on this impact in the years ahead."
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, added: "The game of basketball has never been more global, and Basketball Without Borders has played a vital role in its growth.
"For 25 years, BWB has been a mainstay in identifying and developing the next generation of NBA and WNBA players from around the world, including some of our very best talent. And together with FIBA, we are committed to ensuring that this program continues to flourish as an elite training ground and platform for aspiring young players."
The full 25th Anniversary Report on the success of Basketball Without Borders can be accessed here. To learn more about BWB, click here.
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About FIBA FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball and about.fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About the NBA The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.