NBA, NCAA Consider Partnership To Reform Amateur Basketball

Stern Feels Shoe Companies Have Too Much Influence On Amateur Basketball

The NBA and the NCAA are "seriously considering a partnership that could dramatically reform amateur basketball," according to John Lombardo of SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Neither organization gave specifics, but a source indicated that the proposal could include a "year-round training program for high school players" and "sanctioned tournaments and development of coaches and officials." NBA Commissioner David Stern has been critical of the current youth system in the U.S., believing that it is "too heavily influenced by shoe companies and the AAU, and that it leaves kids unprepared for life outside of basketball." The partnership would represent a "major step for the two entities, which historically have had different agendas." There could be "major business ramifications attached to the reform effort, including a co-branded youth league and corporate partnership components." It is unknown whether the AAU will have a role in the reform effort. AAU Dir of Sports James Parker said that the organization has been "involved in discussions about reform, but that it is not clear whether the AAU will be included in future plans." Parker: "We've attended meetings that discussed different ideas, but at this point I don't know if we have been invited back to the table" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/3 issue).