Where the WNBA Trains: Inside IMG Academy's Basketball Program

It's not about whether you're "good enough." It's not based on your current college recruitment profile or about what team you're competing for. You may think it's only for the "elite," but IMG Academy basketball offers so much more.

If you have a passion for basketball, a desire to improve, and a contagious energy that's simply undeniable, then you have a place on our Bradenton, Florida campus.

Upon entering IMG's gates, you're joining a community of other athletes who have similar goals; some may be pursuing an NBA Draft selection while others may be seeking a spot on one of IMG Academy's team rosters. Regardless of your aspirations, IMG Academy's basketball program offers options for players of all levels and backgrounds. If you're a top national recruit, you'll be immersing amongst countless others who have followed a similar pathway to the next level; if you're a younger athlete envisioning how far you can take your game, you're joining a program that's welcomed world-class athletes and national teams from around the globe. It's hard to deny the energy that exudes from IMG Academy's basketball courts, but it's an opportunity that shouldn't be overlooked.

While IMG Academy has traditionally been home to NBA Draft selections, GEICO High School National Champions, McDonald's All-Americans, and NCAA tournament participants, this year, IMG Academy also became the official home of the 2020 WNBA season. 

I think our unparalleled court setup, campus, and facilities have helped us attract some of the world’s best basketball players. For many years, IMG has been a premier training hub for numerous professional athletes."

- Brian Nash, IMG Academy Director of Basketball

It's been evident that, since the WNBA arrived on campus in late July for their season restart, there's been a unique aura on campus. The "Wubble" holds an all-inclusive setting on IMG's campus that's driven a safe and secure setting for practices, dining, accommodations within Legacy Hotel, and day-to-day experiences for the league's 12 teams, their coaches, staff, and certain family members. Although they've been completely secluded from other individuals on campus, there's something so surreal about training on the same campus as the WNBA. 

This is the pinnacle of our sport. The girls are so excited and proud to have them on campus. This is big for them because many of them dream of wearing a professional uniform. Their heroes are right in front of them each day. They are most excited to see them practice on the same courts they have practice on every day. It has made me proud to be able to host such a monumental event on our campus. The girls will never forget it.”

- Shell Dailey, IMG Academy Girls Basketball Director

You watch them on the games, and you’re a fan; wow they’re so amazing. And then you see them in person - their dedication. They’re always in the gym; they’re always working out, and it’s just really inspiring because they’re your heroes."

- Shae Mercer, IMG Academy girls basketball junior student-athlete

It's an extremely unique and exciting opportunity to be on the same campus as the WNBA. Seeing some of the best players in the world and knowing that they practice in the same gym that I do is incredibly inspirational. It not only drives my desire to one day be at that level but it shows me that my dream may be attainable."

- Ava Toone, IMG Academy girls basketball senior student-athlete

Like many student-athletes on campus, Mercer and Toone have incredible goals for themselves that drive their daily lifestyles on campus. IMG Academy boarding school student-athletes train, study, and live on a campus that offers a college-preparatory experience, an opportunity that provides unparalleled preparation for the next level. IMG Academy basketball features teams across both the boys and girls programs of various levels, including National, Junior National, Varsity, Middle School, and Post-Graduate. The program is designed to offer a dedicated team of resources throughout the year. Support may come through college placement advisors, sport coaches, nutritionists, strength and conditioning trainers, teachers, or student activities coordinators. The focal point of IMG's boarding school program is preparation for success at the next level, and IMG's team of experts ensures that every avenue is covered, and then some.

One of the most unique aspects of IMG Academy is the global campus diversity, be it the nationalities of athletes, the background of an individual, the interest areas amongst groups who visit campus, and even the accolades that each person brings with them to Bradenton. In addition to the boarding school program, IMG Academy also offers in-person and online camps, pro and collegiate training, events, team training, group hosting, and more. On a daily basis, student-athletes may be learning in a classroom setting while professionals like the WNBA players are training in the gym; campers might be checking in for the week-long boarding experience at the same time that a future NFL star is training within the Combine Program in the Performance Center. It's experiences like this that make IMG an incredibly special environment.

Having the WNBA here on our campus means the world to our program. We have the best players in women’s basketball training and using our expert staff to help them. We have professional athletes come to our campus all the time, but this is different and special." - Shell Dailey, IMG Academy Girls Basketball Director

While the WNBA's regular season recently completed, and their playoffs have commenced, IMG Academy recognizes that none of this season's milestones would have been possible without the combined efforts of the entire league, IMG's Health Services provided by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, the basketball program, Legacy Hotel staff, the Food and Beverage team, and many more. The Safer Campus Initiative in tandem with the entire "Wubble" concept has been effective, not only on IMG's campus, but across the country for other widely-recognized organizations as well who were seeking ways to safely compete during a global pandemic.

Having the WNBA use our campus is significant in many ways. It demonstrates that they felt we would be able to provide a safe environment for them to operate and recognized that our facilities and amenities are world-class. The WNBA’s decision to conduct their season with IMG serving as their home base should send a strong message to any other team or professional athletes looking for a place to train or compete. We are thankful for the relationship that we have formed with such a well-respected organization as the WNBA.”

- Brian Nash, IMG Academy Director of Basketball