Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Pledges $15.5 Million to Transform Kentucky Youth Basketball and Facilities
Fresh off an extraordinary NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is giving back in a big way. The Kentucky basketball legend and newly crowned NBA MVP and champion has announced a $15.5 million pledge aimed at transforming youth basketball and upgrading athletic facilities across the state of Kentucky. The donation, one of the largest ever from an NBA player to a grassroots sports initiative, is a powerful tribute to the community and program that helped shape his rise to stardom.
The initiative, titled “Bluegrass Hoops Rising,” will support the renovation of youth basketball courts, training centers, and community gymnasiums in underserved areas across Kentucky. Additionally, a significant portion of the funds will go toward creating scholarship programs, mentorship networks, and youth development camps that focus not just on basketball skills, but also academic achievement and leadership training.
“Kentucky is where I became who I am,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a press release. “It’s where I learned the value of hard work, discipline, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I want to make sure the next generation of Kentucky kids has even more opportunities than I did.”
Shai, who played one season for the Kentucky Wildcats before being drafted 11th overall in 2018, has always maintained close ties to the state and the university. His breakout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he averaged over 30 points per game and led the team to an NBA title, only deepened his commitment to using his platform for good.
The project is expected to begin with major facility upgrades in Lexington, Louisville, and Shai’s alma mater, the University of Kentucky. Plans include building state-of-the-art indoor courts, expanding after-school sports programming, and launching a “Path to the Pros” mentorship series where former and current Wildcats—both men and women—can guide young athletes through the challenges of competitive sports and life off the court.
University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari praised the gift as “one of the most impactful investments in Kentucky youth basketball we’ve ever seen.”
“This is more than just about basketball,” Calipari said. “Shai is investing in futures. He’s showing kids that greatness starts with giving back.”
Community leaders have also hailed the move, noting the long-term economic and social impact the project could have, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where access to quality sports facilities has historically been limited.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the donation is a way of both celebrating and grounding his personal success.
“I’ve won an MVP. I’ve won a championship. But none of it means anything if I’m not using my success to lift others up,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
With this $15.5 million commitment, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just leaving a legacy on the court—he’s building one across the state of Kentucky, one court, one kid, and one community at a time.
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