Credit: Pistons Academy
This summer, basketball dreams are taking flight across Michigan as the Detroit Pistons officially launch the 2025 “Pistons Academy” Youth Basketball Camp season, a dynamic lineup of 16 camps designed to develop young talent, ignite passion for the game, and build the next generation of hoopers.
Announced today, registration is now open for the highly anticipated summer circuit, which begins June 9 at Detroit Country Day High School in Beverly Hills. Powered by support from the Children’s Foundation and Priority Health, Pistons Academy continues to expand its regional reach while enhancing the camp experience with NBA-level instruction, personal development, and unforgettable moments with Detroit Pistons personalities.
The 2025 schedule features something for every budding baller, including the introduction of the “Mini Cruisers” camp, an all-new experience for boys and girls in grades 1-3. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Wayne State Fieldhouse, home of the Pistons’ G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, this three-day session (June 30–July 2) promises foundational fun and age-appropriate training to get Detroit’s youngest athletes started on the right foot.
Aaron Smith, Director of Youth Engagement and Development, highlighted that the Pistons Academy Youth Basketball Camps return this summer for an exciting season of basketball at 14 locations throughout metro Detroit and the greater Michigan area.
Also returning by popular demand is the all-girls camp in partnership with the Jr. WNBA, hosted at Compound Athletics in Sterling Heights (July 14–16). Designed to foster leadership and empowerment through sport, this girls-only environment provides an inspiring setting for players to grow their game and their voice on and off the court.
Credit: Pistons Academy
A marquee moment in the schedule lands July 9–11 and July 14–15 at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center in downtown Detroit, where young hoopers will train where the pros do. This immersive, behind-the-scenes opportunity offers campers access to the same courts and cutting-edge facilities used by the Pistons themselves.
Across all locations, campers receive elite instruction from experienced coaches, engage in full-court competitions, and leave with a Pistons Academy reversible jersey, plus two complimentary tickets to a 2025–26 Pistons home game at Little Caesars Arena. Camps are open to boys and girls entering grades 3–9, with early-bird pricing (ranging from $195 to $399) available through June 2.
The camp tour spans metro Detroit suburbs and beyond, including stops in Novi, Northville, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Canton, Bloomfield Hills, and Brighton. The Academy even hits the road west to Ada, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, ensuring kids from every corner of the state get their shot to shine.
With a commitment to community engagement and youth development, the Pistons Academy initiative reflects the franchise’s broader mission to uplift Detroit through sport.
“We’re eager to create unforgettable experiences on the court with all our campers, offering an engaging and dynamic environment through expert basketball instruction and skill-building,” Smith said.
2025 Pistons Academy Summer Camp Highlights
- New This Year: “Mini Cruisers” for grades 1–3 at Wayne State Fieldhouse (June 30–July 2)
- Girls-Only Camp: All-girls session at Compound Athletics, Sterling Heights (July 14–16)
- Train Like a Piston: Camp at Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center (July 9–11, 14–15)
- Statewide Reach: 16 total camps across SE Michigan and beyond, including Traverse City
- Perks: Pistons jersey, NBA-style training, game-day tickets, and special guest appearances
For a full schedule of camps and to register, visit www.pistonsacademy.com or follow daily updates on Instagram at @PistonsAcademy.