• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 23, 2026

Former Donda Academy Basketball Players Join New Teams

  • Several top high school tournaments have dropped Ye’s team from their schedules.
  • The school abruptly closed, then reopened in the span of a few hours last week.
SLAM

Several of the nation’s top high school basketball players have found new teams in the wake of Ye’s Donda Academy controversy.

The players were sent scrambling after the school founded by the artist formerly known as Kanye West abruptly announced it would close effective immediately last week. The school announced it was staying open just hours later.

ESPN Class of 2023 No. 8 recruit and Kentucky commit Rob Dillingham will join Overtime Elite — but will not accept a salary in order to preserve his NCAA eligibility.

No. 25 recruit A.J. Johnson and 6-foot-8 teammate Jacob Bannarbie will both reportedly play at SoCal Academy.

Javonte “J.J.” Taylor — the nation’s No. 45 recruit — will go to San Ysidro High in San Diego, where five-star prospect Mikey Williams is already playing. Chuck Bailey Jr. will attend Hamtramck in Michigan.

ESPN did not report if any 2024 recruits would take off for other schools.

Donda Academy Basketball Team Dropped by Top Tournaments

Several highly recruited players for college basketball are on Donda’s roster.
October 27, 2022

Last week, several of the nation’s high-profile high school basketball tournaments dropped Donda from their schedules amidst Ye’s ongoing strife — and Morehouse College announced this week that it is canceling a tournament Donda was scheduled to play in.

A daily podcast covering the influence of sports on business and culture.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

WNBA Team Hires Reporter From Athletic for Front Office Role

Ben Pickman will be a cap and strategy analyst for the Fire.
A'ja Wilson
exclusive

WNBA Proposes Same Salary Cap in New CBA Offer

The league did offer players slightly better terms on housing.
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) scores on Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena.

Are the WNBA’s 9-Figure Losses What They Seem?

The WNBA claims the union’s proposal would cause massive losses.
Jan 6, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) holds the ball while Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De'andre Hunter (12) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA Gets Serious About Anti-Tanking Measures

There is a growing push to have reforms in place for next season.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Anthony Kim
February 20, 2026

Inside Anthony Kim’s Chaotic Path to Stunning Victory at LIV Golf

Anthony Kim joined the 4Aces after Patrick Reed abruptly left LIV.
February 23, 2026

Mexican Soccer Postponed Amid Violence With World Cup Months Away

Tennis and UFC events will continue as planned.
Sponsored

A Head Start on History: Early Access to Olympic Hospitality for the..

From private suites to curated experiences, On Location is redefining how fans and brands show up at LA28.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics shoots against Team USA Stars guard Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
February 19, 2026

Beverly Hills Apologizes to Jaylen Brown Over All-Star Fiasco

Brown released a statement following the city’s apology.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; eam World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in-between games during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.
February 19, 2026

How Alexis Ohanian Became Giannis’s Sports Investment Whisperer

“It all started with a DM from Thanasis,” Ohanian tells FOS.
Aryna Sabalenka
February 18, 2026

Tennis’s Brutal Schedule Comes to a Head in Dubai As Dozens Drop..

Some stars appear to have found a loophole in WTA rules.
Feb 17, 2026; Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Genesis Invitational tournament host Tiger Woods speaks to the media during a press conference at Riviera Country Club.
February 17, 2026

PGA Tour Schedule Changes May Take Multiple Years to Roll Out

A new schedule could include fewer events and new major markets.