NBA cancels 2019 Global Camp in Monaco for venue availability

World
Europe

The NBA on Wednesday decided to cancel the Global Camp 2019 that was scheduled to happen between May 30 and June 2 in Monaco because of venue availability.

"We have canceled the NBA Global Camp 2019 due to logistical issues and other contributing factors that jeopardized our ability to successfully conduct the camp. The camp will return in the future," said Kiki VanDeWeghe, the league's executive vice president of basketball operations, in a statement to ESPN.

The Global Camp, first held in 2018, is a chance for non-American players to showcase their talent for NBA teams, go through interviews and medical examinations, and practice in front of the media and scouts.

Back in 2003, Germany-based sportswear manufacturer Adidas launched the predecessor of the Global Camp, the EuroCamp, in Treviso, Italy. However, as the FBI investigated college basketball corruption, it was abandoned by Adidas and taken over by the NBA in April 2018.

(From left to right) Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis of the Dallas Mavericks are four of the NBA's top international players in recent years. /VCG Photo

"Twenty-five percent of our league are international players. Some of the best players in the NBA are internationals. That will only grow. It's a big world," VanDeWeghe told ESPN. "The NBA is expanding globally. That's an important part. We're invested in academies around the world; we have seven of those currently. Having the ability to spread the knowledge of basketball, to provide great training against great competition – this is a natural part of that,"

Having held the first Global Camp in Treviso last year, the league decided to move it to Monaco this time. Many scouts, agents, brands and young players have booked their trips to Monaco so they won't miss this valuable opportunity. However, the plans have to be canceled.

According to ESPN, the NBA decided to call it off partly because the organizers could not confirm which venues were booked for the event. AS Monaco Basket is in the playoffs of France's top basketball league, LNB Pro A. If the team advances past the quarterfinals, their stadium, which is slated to host the Global Camp, will be unavailable for the NBA.

There are two auxiliary gyms for high school and amateur league basketball games in Monaco. However, with only limited seats and infrastructure, the NBA did not consider the two venues to be acceptable hosts for the camp.