Hakeem Olajuwon Set to Launch $45 Million Elite Basketball Academy in Houston Backed by League Approval
Houston, TX – June 5, 2025 — Fans of the Houston Rockets and basketball enthusiasts around the world are celebrating a monumental announcement today, as Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon has officially acquired the rights to open a state-of-the-art Elite Basketball Academy in Houston. The project, valued at $45 million, has received the green light from the National Basketball Development Federation (NBDF)—the governing body responsible for certifying elite-level basketball academies across the United States.
Construction for the facility is set to begin in early 2025, with completion aimed for late 2026. The academy will be built in collaboration with the Houston Rockets, further deepening Olajuwon’s legendary legacy with the franchise he carried to two NBA Championships in the 1990s.
“This is more than a basketball academy—it’s a dream factory for the next generation of stars,” said Olajuwon. “We’re creating a world-class environment where talent, discipline, and education come together under one roof.”
A Vision of Excellence
The $45 million campus will include:
- Multiple full-sized NBA-regulation courts
- Dormitories and residential accommodations for out-of-town and international students
- Sports science and rehabilitation facilities
- Classrooms for academic development and media training
- Nutrition and wellness centers
- A Hall of Legacy exhibit featuring Rockets history and Olajuwon’s personal memorabilia
The Elite Academy will operate with full endorsement from the NBDF, ensuring it meets international training and safety standards. The governing body has praised Olajuwon’s commitment to both athletic and personal development, citing his influence as a global ambassador for the game.
Ties to the Rockets
The Houston Rockets have pledged full support, offering the academy priority access to training spaces, mentorship programs with current and former Rockets players, and exclusive event hosting at the Toyota Center. Rockets CEO Tad Brown called the initiative “a gift to the city of Houston.”
“Hakeem has always been about excellence—on and off the court,” Brown said. “This academy will elevate the entire basketball ecosystem in Texas.”
A Legacy Reimagined
Olajuwon, known globally as “The Dream,” has long been a mentor to NBA big men including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With this elite academy, he aims to institutionalize the wisdom he has shared with legends into a structured training environment that blends fundamentals, footwork, leadership, and academic integrity.
“The future of basketball must include not just athletes, but leaders,” Olajuwon added. “This academy is my next chapter—and my most important one yet.”
Community Roots, Global Reach
The academy will reserve 25% of its scholarships for underserved youth in Houston, with an international arm focused on scouting and developing talent from Africa, Europe, and Latin America—paying tribute to Olajuwon’s Nigerian roots and global journey.
Construction of the Olajuwon Elite Academy is set to break ground in Spring 2025, with tryouts, camps, and tours expected to begin shortly after. The academy is poised to become one of the premier training hubs in North America—and a new legacy under the Rockets name.
