Cornerstone of CBA

CBA's mission was born in 2013 when founder Damond Williams recognized a critical gap in athlete development — a lack of preparation for success both on the court and in life after basketball. Motivated by the need to equip athletes with the skills to perform at their best while also preparing them for career opportunities beyond the game, CBA was created to offer a comprehensive approach to athlete growth, both professionally and personally.

Damond Williams is the visionary founder and Executive Officer of the Chicago Basketball Academy (CBA), a global organization dedicated to empowering athletes through world-class training and career development programs. With over a 12 years of experience as a pro athlete, and a decade of experience in the executive basketball industry, Damond recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to athlete development — blending both on-court performance with career readiness. His passion for basketball and commitment to supporting athletes led him to establish CBA in 2013, where he has been shaping the future of aspiring athletes by providing them with not only athletic training but also valuable life skills and professional opportunities. Under his leadership, CBA has partnered with top organizations like NBA personnel, USA Basketball, and UNICEF, making a significant impact on the global basketball community. Damond’s relentless pursuit of innovation and holistic athlete development continues to drive CBA’s success as a leader in both basketball and business education.