Thursday, May 28, 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

NBA, NHL, WNBA Leaders: AI Will Change Officiating, Impact Games

Several sports commissioners spoke on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday.

Big 12 Commish Already Eyeing Next Media Deal, Bigger Payday

The conference’s media deals with Fox and ESPN run through this decade.

Donald Trump Says He’ll Be at NBA Finals in New York

No sitting president has attended an NBA Finals game.

Big 12 Coaches Back March Madness Expansion: Bigger Is Better

Next year’s tournament will expand from 68 to 76 teams.

Featured Today

Apr 6, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) walks to the on deck circle during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field

Why Ballparks Are Louder Than Ever

Some stadiums sound like veritable nightclubs. How did we get here?
May 24, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats attack Kathryn Ratanaproeksa (13) shoots against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Martin Stadium
May 26, 2026

Can Women’s Lacrosse Buck the Trend in College Sports?

The sport is fighting to prove its worth in the revenue-sharing era.
May 22, 2026

Big Money on the Line on Premier League’s Final Day

Arsenal has won the title, but millions are still at stake.
Texas State mascot
May 22, 2026

Mascot-Reveal Videos Are the Newest College Sports Tradition

Student mascot unmasking videos are going mega-viral.

Dave Checketts Says Founding MLS Team Was His ‘Worst Investment’ 

Checketts cofounded Real Salt Lake in 2005 and sold it in 2013.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks lift the 2026 Eastern Conference trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.
May 26, 2026

Title-Starved Knicks Fans Push Finals Tickets to $3,700

Demand for games at Madison Square Garden reaches Super Bowl-like levels.
May 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights are presented with the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl by Deputy commissioner of the NHL Bill Daly after winning against the Colorado Avalanchein game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena.
May 27, 2026

Golden Knights Reach Final Despite Messy Season

The playoff run is extending a chaotic two months for the NHL franchise.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
May 26, 2026

James Dolan’s Controversial $30M Thibodeau Firing Has Paid Off

Mike Brown has the Knicks in their first Finals since 1999.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) high fives New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.
May 25, 2026

Knicks Reach First NBA Finals Since 1999

The Knicks are looking for the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
May 22, 2026

Man City’s Pep Guardiola Is Leaving: ‘Don’t Ask Me the Reasons’

The six-time Premier League winner ends his epic run one year early.
Nov 20, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy watches play against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center
May 20, 2026

NHL Coaches’ Association Pushes Back on Vegas Cassidy Restrictions

Vegas is within bounds, but the move is unusual and controversial.