The NBA and FIBA will introduce a new chapter of their Basketball Without Borders program this month, bringing 80 of the world’s top high-school-age male prospects to Istanbul for the inaugural BWB Next Up camp.
The four-day event will take place from August 26 through August 29 at the Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi. It will mark the third Basketball Without Borders camp held in Istanbul, following previous European editions in 2002 and 2008.
The new format brings together elite young players from outside the United States for athletic testing, skill-development sessions, movement training, three-on-three competition, five-on-five games and educational seminars. The players will work with a group of accomplished NBA and international figures, including Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, Vlade Divac, Danilo Gallinari, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Jalen Suggs.
The complete player roster and additional coaching staff will be announced before the camp begins.
BWB Next Up has been created as part of the program’s 25th anniversary. The NBA and FIBA plan to hold separate annual camps for 80 leading male prospects and 80 leading female prospects from outside the United States. The strongest performers will then be selected for Basketball Without Borders All-Star camps connected to future NBA and WNBA All-Star events. The first women’s BWB Next Up camp is scheduled for fall 2026.
NBA Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East George Aivazoglou described the Istanbul event as an important step in the program’s evolution.
“As Basketball Without Borders celebrates its 25th anniversary, the launch of BWB Next Up marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to developing the next generation of basketball talent,” said NBA Managing Director, Europe & Middle East George Aivazoglou. “Türkiye has long been one of Europe’s leading basketball markets with a rich tradition, passionate fans and a proven track record of producing elite players. Bringing BWB Next Up to Istanbul reflects both the importance of Türkiye within the European basketball landscape and the strong momentum we continue to see for the game across the country.”
Awards presented on the final day will include the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, Defensive MVP, Playoff MVP and Three-Point Champion.
The broader Basketball Without Borders program has worked with more than 4,900 participants from 149 countries and territories since its launch in 2001. According to the NBA and FIBA, 155 former campers have gone on to reach the NBA or WNBA.
More than 50 BWB alumni appeared on NBA opening-night rosters last season, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam and Deni Avdija.
The Istanbul camp will therefore be more than a showcase. It will serve as the first test of a new global development structure designed to identify, educate and connect the next generation of international basketball talent.
