When families from around the world look to bring their child to Spain to pursue their athletic dreams, one name stands out for its structure, opportunity, and professional environment: the Baskonia Alavés Academy.
But what exactly is it?
And how does it connect to Deportivo Alavés, Baskonia Basketball, and the Ondare Residency?
Let’s break it down clearly.
Part of a Global Sports Group
The Baskonia Alavés Academy is part of the Baskonia-Alavés Group, one of Spain’s most established sports organizations.
The group owns both Deportivo Alavés, a historic LALIGA club, and Baskonia, one of the top basketball teams in the EuroLeague.
This structure allows us to combine two elite sporting worlds — football and basketball — under the same philosophy of training, education, and personal growth.
A Gateway to Spanish Sports
The Baskonia Alavés Academy is the international development program of Deportivo Alavés and Baskonia Basketball.
It was created for young athletes from around the world who want to experience professional-level training in Spain — without needing to already belong to the club’s youth system.
Our football and basketball programs both follow the methodology, values, and standards used by the professional teams, offering an authentic introduction to Spanish sports culture.
Living and Training Like a Professional
To make this possible, we developed the Ondare Residency, a modern living facility designed to provide comfort, structure, and balance for international athletes during their stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz.Located next to the BAKH Sports Complex and the Fernando Buesa Arena, Ondare offers a professional and sports-focused environment where players can live, train, and recover in the best possible conditions.The residency is fully equipped with:
- Comfortable rooms for 1, 3, 6, or 10-month stays
- Balanced, athlete-focused meals designed by our nutrition team
- Language and academic support
- 24/7 supervision, medical assistance, and security
- Access to gym, swimming pool, and recreational areas
Every detail is designed to create a safe, structured, and inspiring environment for athletic and personal growth.
Academy vs. Cantera — Understanding the Difference
A common question from parents is: What’s the difference between the Baskonia Alavés Academy and the Cantera?
The Cantera refers to the official youth system of Deportivo Alavés — the players who already belong to the club and compete in regional and national competitions.
The Baskonia Alavés Academy is the international training program. Athletes here are not automatically part of the Cantera, but they train daily at the same facilities, follow the same methodology, and are continuously evaluated by the club’s technical staff.
In short:
They are not the same — but performing well at the Academy can open doors to the Cantera.
A Pathway for Global Talent
Each year, standout athletes from the Academy have the opportunity to train or trial with official club teams.
For many, this becomes their first real step into European football or basketball.
Our mission is simple:
To help players develop, adapt, and earn opportunities through hard work, dedication, and professional coaching.
Whether they stay for one month or ten, the experience gives every athlete a clear view of what it means to train, live, and think like a professional.
Baskonia Alavés Academy & Ondare Residency — where potential meets opportunity.