Wednesday, April 22, 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

Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

All 44 of Caitlin Clark’s Fever Games Will Be on National TV

This season marks the first of the WNBA’s new rights deal.

Fever GM: Team Must Think ‘Long Term’ With Clark Payday Incoming

Sophie Cunningham’s comments about her contract raised eyebrows this week.
Apr 10, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Steve Kerr Looms as Top TV Target Amid Coaching Uncertainty

Kerr previously served as TNT’s top game analyst
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.

Featured Today

Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 21, 2026

New Blazers Owner Tom Dundon Is Aggressively Cutting Costs

Dundon became the Trail Blazers owner in late March.
April 21, 2026

Billy Donovan Leaves Bulls as Franchise Makeover Continues

Donovan coached the Bulls for six seasons. 
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Sean Manaea (59) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field.
April 20, 2026

High-Spending Mets Aren’t Alone in Their Losing Ways

Despite a hefty payroll, the club’s losing streak is its longest since 2004.
April 17, 2026

Liberty Stars Are Taking Major Pay Cuts to Chase a WNBA Title

The new CBA makes it harder for teams to sign multiple max players.
April 17, 2026

Padres Sale Set to Break MLB Record With $3.9B Deal

The buyer is the cofounder of investment giant Clearlake.
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) steals the ball from Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the final minutes of the game of the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome
April 16, 2026

Thunder Rack Up Another Lottery Pick With Clippers Play-In Loss

L.A. hands over its pick while scandal still hangs over the team.