In an exciting new alliance, Grind Session, an elite winter basketball circuit known for featuring top high school talent from the USA and around the world, has partnered with FIBA, the world’s governing body for basketball. The collaboration is set to elevate youth basketball, providing a dynamic platform for young athletes to showcase and hone their skills on an international stage.
Grind Session, now entering its 11th season, has already become a powerhouse for launching young basketball players’ careers. The circuit has helped over 3,000 players secure college scholarships, and 61 of its alumni currently play in the NBA. This partnership with FIBA will only expand the impact, bringing a new level of global exposure and opportunity to rising stars in the sport.
A Global Vision for Youth Basketball
The partnership marks a strategic commitment from both FIBA and Grind Session to accelerate the development of youth basketball not only in the USA but worldwide. By aligning their objectives, the two organizations aim to offer unmatched experiences for young players while enhancing the sport's accessibility. This collaboration will include FIBA's presence at Grind Session events held across the United States, Canada, and select international locations.
“FIBA and Grind Session share a common commitment to delivering unique memories and opportunities to youth basketball players and fans across the world,” said Carlos Alves, Executive Director of FIBA in the Americas. “This partnership will allow us to expand our Youth Development Program with great scale. Through some key activations, we will give international players a pathway to playing in the USA and vice versa. This is an elite high school league, and we are honored to join Grind Session as one of their key partners.”
Empowering Young Talent through Showcase Events
One of the core components of the partnership is a series of elite showcase events designed to give athletes from different countries the chance to compete and learn from one another. These events will play a vital role in nurturing talent through rigorous competition and high-level exposure. Both domestic and international young athletes will benefit from access to these showcases, which are poised to become landmark events in the youth basketball calendar.
Grind Session CEO Scott Waldrop expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with FIBA on this long-term, groundbreaking partnership. Grind Session has achieved a lot and seen incredible development and expansion over the past several years. Now, the time has come to take the next step in seeing our circuit and sport reach new heights.”
Paving Pathways and Expanding Opportunities
By partnering with FIBA, Grind Session aims to provide players with more pathways to compete at higher levels, both domestically and abroad. This includes unique activations, such as international player exchanges that offer both U.S. and global athletes the chance to gain experience in new competitive environments. The alliance is focused on giving players a platform to attract attention from college recruiters, scouts, and professional leagues.
As Grind Session continues to innovate in the high school basketball circuit, this partnership with FIBA promises to further its mission to shape the future of basketball. By expanding its reach and creating life-changing opportunities for youth worldwide, Grind Session and FIBA are redefining what is possible for the next generation of basketball players.
