Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Donda Academy Basketball Team Dropped by Top Tournaments

  • Several of the most highly recruited players for college basketball are on Donda’s roster.
  • The school abruptly closed and then reopened Thursday.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The fallout from Ye’s antisemitic comments continues — and this time, it’s affecting several high-profile high school basketball players.

The basketball team for Donda Academy — the Los Angeles-area private prep school founded by the artist formerly known as Kanye West — was barred from several high-profile high school tournaments it was originally scheduled to play in, including The Spalding Hoophall Classic and the Play by Play Classics.

The City of Palms Classic had initially kept Donda in its schedule, but has now reversed course.

Several of the most highly recruited players for college basketball are on Donda’s roster, including Robert Dillingham (2023), JJ Taylor (2023), and Jahki Howard (2024).

In the wake of the controversy, three-star recruit Chuck Bailey reportedly announced he is leaving the team and school.

Jaylen Brown, Aaron Donald Exit Donda Sports Amid Controversy

The pair left Ye’s sports marketing agency after signing earlier this year.
October 26, 2022

All the players on the roster could be looking for new teams shortly.

The school abruptly announced Wednesday night that it would be closing down for the remainder of the school year with immediate effect, per the The Times.

However, just hours later, the school reportedly changed its mind, reopening its doors for the day and for the foreseeable.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Can the Knicks Get Another Enormous Star Discount?

Karl-Anthony Towns is up next for an extension.
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Director Spike Lee watches courtside during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Opinion

Knicks’ Championship Rings Should Be for Team—Not Celebrities

Some celebrities believe Spike Lee deserves a championship ring.

Knicks Title Celebration Sparks Arrests, Fires, and Injuries in NYC

The Knicks clinched the 2026 NBA title on the road.

Featured Today

Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.

Fernando Mendoza’s Rookie Edge With Raiders? Access to Tom Brady 

Fernando Mendoza’s relationship with Tom Brady is growing.
June 13, 2026

Knicks Beat Spurs to Win First NBA Title in 53 Years

New York is the eighth different NBA champion in eight years.
Gareth Bale
Exclusive
June 15, 2026

Gareth Bale Launches Sports Fund, Still Eyeing Cardiff Bid

“It’s about being patient, finding the right club, and the right path for us to take.”
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
Apr 4, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks executive chairman James Dolan sits court side during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden
June 12, 2026

The Knicks Keep Winning. James Dolan Keeps Beefing

The Knicks owner continues his streak of high-profile feuds.
June 11, 2026

Knicks Are 1 Win From Title After Historic Comeback

It was the largest comeback in an NBA Finals game ever.
June 10, 2026

From Angel Reese to ‘Loser Mentality,’ Sky Tumult Continues

Reese and the Atlanta Dream are 8–3.
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Osasuna v Atletico Madrid - El Sadar Stadium, Pamplona, Spain - May 12, 2026 Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth in action with Osasuna's Valentin Rosier
June 10, 2026

What Really Happened With the Spanish Soccer Team and Kalshi

The club said it wanted to clear up its actions after “recent reports.”