How do I enroll in the Unicaja Malaga Academy?

To enroll, submit an inquiry through our website. A coordinator will then contact you to discuss the details: your child's age and skill level, program selection, and timing. The academy holds tryouts and accepts players of various skill levels.

What is the minimum age for enrollment?

The Unicaja Academy has teams for age groups ranging from U11 to Liga U (junior league), for both boys and girls. Specific enrollment conditions depend on the child's age, skill level, and chosen program. Contact us for details.

How much does a basketball academy in Spain cost?

Unicaja Malaga Academy program costs: 1 month — 4,000 EUR, 2 months — 6,500 EUR, 3 months — 9,000 EUR, full 10-month season — 25,000 to 29,000 EUR. The fee includes coaching, accommodation at the La Termica residence, and meals. Visa processing is not included.

Where do academy students live?

Students live at the La Termica residence — a modern complex of buildings with courtyards and gardens, located a 5-minute walk from the Los Guindos training center. The residence offers single and double rooms, a common lounge area, and all necessary amenities. The airport, AVE high-speed train station, and the University of Malaga are all less than 15 minutes away by car.

How is academic education organized?

The academy partners with several schools in Malaga: IES Litoral, IES Fernando de los Rios, IES Emilio Prados, IES Mare Nostrum, and Colegio Rosario Moreno. Student-athletes follow an individualized academic plan with a flexible schedule adapted to training and competition commitments.

Is a visa required to study in Spain?

Yes, non-EU citizens typically need a visa to study in Spain. Visa processing is not included in the program fee and must be arranged independently. The academy provides the necessary supporting documents: an invitation letter and enrollment confirmation for the visa application.

What is included in the program fee?

The fee includes: daily training sessions led by professional club coaches, accommodation at the La Termica residence, full sports nutrition, access to a sports psychologist, nutritionist, and medical staff. Long-term programs also include an academic program at partner schools.

Are scholarships available for talented players?

Yes, scholarships are available for talented and promising players, making the academy more accessible. Scholarship terms are discussed individually based on tryout results and the athlete's potential.

Which notable players came from the Unicaja Academy?

The Unicaja Academy has produced numerous professional players. Among the most notable: Domantas Sabonis — 3-time NBA All-Star and league rebounding leader; Alex Abrines, who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder; Fran Vazquez, selected 11th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft; and Yannick Nzosa, drafted by the Washington Wizards. Many graduates also play at top NCAA universities: Gonzaga, Texas A&M, Maryland, Iowa, LSU, and Michigan.

What basketball academies exist in Europe for young athletes?

Europe has several professional basketball academies affiliated with top-tier clubs. The Unicaja Malaga Academy is one of the best in Spain, connected to a Liga Endesa club. It features the Martin Carpena Arena (11,300 seats), the Los Guindos training center, and the La Termica residence. Its quality is confirmed by alumni who reached the EuroLeague and NBA.

What does a typical day at the academy look like?

A typical day includes: wake-up and breakfast, strength and conditioning training, lunch, individual basketball skill sessions, school classes, independent study, team practice, and rest. The schedule is balanced between sport, academics, and recovery.

Liga Endesa • European Tournaments

Basketball Academy
Unicaja Malaga

Professional basketball training in Spain for children and teenagers. Coaching, accommodation, and education within the system of one of Europe's top clubs.

Submit Inquiry Programs & Pricing

Why Unicaja Malaga Academy?

The Unicaja Malaga Academy offers your child the chance to enter a serious European basketball environment where sport, discipline, education, and personal growth come together.

Professional Environment

Training takes place within the infrastructure of Unicaja Malaga, a club competing in Liga Endesa — one of Europe's strongest leagues.

Education & Discipline

The academy combines intensive training with an educational program. Your child develops both as an athlete and as a person.

Path to the EuroLeague & NBA

The Unicaja Academy has already produced players who went on to compete at the EuroLeague and NBA level. This is a real opportunity for your child.

Life Experience

Living in Spain, experiencing a new culture, gaining independence in an international setting — this is an investment not just in sport, but in your child's future.

Programs & Pricing

Choose the program that best suits your child. Accommodation level depends on the selected format.

1 Month

4,000 EUR

Intensive training course to experience the academy firsthand

Coaching
Accommodation
Meals

Submit Inquiry

2 Months

6,500 EUR

In-depth program with a personalized development plan

Coaching
Accommodation
Meals
Individual Plan

Submit Inquiry

3 Months

9,000 EUR

Full immersion into the professional basketball system

Coaching
Accommodation
Meals
Individual Plan
Tournament Play

Submit Inquiry

10 Months

25,000 - 29,000 EUR

Full season: maximum development, education, and competitive experience

Coaching
Accommodation
Meals
Education
Competitions
Scholarship Eligibility

Submit Inquiry

What's Included

Everything your child needs for a comfortable stay and professional development.

Accommodation

Comfortable housing in the academy residence. The level depends on the chosen program.

Meals

Full balanced nutrition designed for the demands of young athletes.

Training session at Fundacion Unicaja court

Coaching

Daily training sessions led by professional coaches from Unicaja Malaga.

Education

Academic program for students enrolled in long-term programs.

Important: Visa Information

The program fee does not include visa processing. Visas must be arranged independently. The academy will provide the necessary supporting documents for the visa application (invitation letter, enrollment confirmation).

About Unicaja Malaga

Unicaja Baloncesto Malaga is a professional basketball club based in Malaga, Spain. The club has competed in Liga Endesa — one of Europe's strongest leagues — for many years and regularly participates in European tournaments.

The Unicaja Academy is one of the best in Spain and has produced numerous players who went on to compete at the EuroLeague and NBA level. The club runs training camps and tryouts, and offers young athletes the opportunity to live and train within a professional basketball system.

Scholarships are available for talented and promising players, making this pathway more accessible.

Liga Endesa

One of Europe's strongest leagues

EuroLeague

Regular appearances in European tournaments

NBA

Academy alumni reached the NBA level

40+

Years of club history

Academy graduate on the Spanish national team

Hall of Fame

Academy Alumni

Players who came through the Unicaja Malaga system and reached the highest levels of world basketball.

Domantas Sabonis

3-Time NBA All-Star

The Lithuanian center came through the Unicaja youth system. NBA rebounding leader for three consecutive seasons.

NBA All-Star x 3NBA Rebounding Leader

Fran Vazquez

11th Pick, 2005 NBA Draft

Selected by the Orlando Magic in the NBA Draft. EuroLeague champion and 3-time Spanish champion. Now a youth coach at Unicaja.

NBA Draft 2005 (#11)EuroLeague ChampionACB All-Time Blocks Leader

Alex Abrines

Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)

Spent key formative seasons in Malaga before moving to Barcelona and then the NBA. Three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

3 NBA SeasonsSpanish National Team

Yannick Nzosa

Washington Wizards (NBA Draft)

Selected by the Washington Wizards in the NBA Draft. One of the most promising young centers in European basketball.

NBA Draft (#52)ACB Young Player of the Year

Alberto Diaz

Spanish National Team, Unicaja Captain

A product of the Unicaja Academy. Captain of the club's first team and a member of the Spanish national team.

Spanish National TeamUnicaja Captain

Francis Alonso

NCAA, Spanish National Team

A talented guard who came through the Unicaja youth teams and became one of the top NCAA prospects.

NCAASpanish National Team

Active NCAA Prospects

Academy graduates currently playing at top US universities

Mario Saint-Supery

Gonzaga

MVP U16 European Championship

Ruben Dominguez

Texas A&M

MVP U16 European Championship

Guillermo del Pino

Maryland

MVP U16 European Championship

Alvaro Folgueiras

Iowa

NCAA Division I

Pablo Tamba

LSU

NCAA Division I

Marcus Moller

Michigan

NCAA Division I

How to Enroll

Five simple steps from inquiry to training in Malaga

Submit an Inquiry

Fill out the form on our website with your name, contact details, and preferred communication method.

Consultation with a Coordinator

Our coordinator will contact you to discuss your child's age, skill level, and help select the right program.

Choose a Program

Together with the coordinator, select the best-fit program — from 1 month to a full 10-month season.

Documentation & Visa

The academy provides an invitation letter and enrollment confirmation. Visa processing must be handled independently.

Begin Training in Malaga

Your child arrives in Malaga, moves into the La Termica residence, and begins training with Unicaja's professional coaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about training at the Unicaja Malaga Academy

2,000+

Academy graduates throughout its history

Liga Endesa

One of Europe's strongest leagues

11,300

Seats at the Martin Carpena Arena

Graduates in the NBA and EuroLeague

Official representative of Unicaja Baloncesto AcademyInformation current for the 2025-2026 seasonLast updated: April 2026

Submit an Inquiry

Fill out the form and we will contact you to discuss enrollment details.

Basketball AcademyUnicaja Malaga

Why Unicaja Malaga Academy?

Professional Environment

Education & Discipline

Path to the EuroLeague & NBA

Life Experience

Programs & Pricing

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

10 Months

What's Included

Accommodation

Meals

Coaching

Education

Important: Visa Information

About Unicaja Malaga

Academy Alumni

Domantas Sabonis

Fran Vazquez

Alex Abrines

Yannick Nzosa

Alberto Diaz

Francis Alonso

Active NCAA Prospects

How to Enroll

Submit an Inquiry

Consultation with a Coordinator

Choose a Program

Documentation & Visa

Begin Training in Malaga

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit an Inquiry

Basketball Academy
Unicaja Malaga