What started as a bold idea in 2020 has turned into a movement. The NBA Foundation is celebrating its fifth anniversary and with more than $140 million in grants awarded and over 837,000 youth reached, it’s safe to say the scoreboard is stacked in favor of opportunity.
Since its inception, the Foundation has teamed up with over 300 nonprofit organizations across 28 NBA markets, funding programs that power entrepreneurship, mentorship and career development. These aren’t just donations, they’re investments in the future of under-resourced youth who are now building careers in tech, sports and beyond.
Power plays in 2024–25
This past year, the NBA Foundation amplified its commitment through three standout programs designed to open doors and spark change:
All-Star Pitch Competition
Held during NBA All-Star Weekend, this high-stakes showdown gave seven entrepreneurs the spotlight and $200,000 in cash prizes to improve their businesses. With backing from American Express for an additional $50,000 Community All-Star Award, this year’s competition proved that innovation and impact go together.
Jodi Anderson, founder of Rézme, walked away with the $75,000 top prize.
“Thank you for highlighting entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change and for believing in us to be part of that change,” he said.
In its fourth year, the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program provides paid, 10-week summer internships across NBA teams and league offices.
HBCU Fellowship Program
Now in its fourth year, this 10-week paid internship program continues to open doors within the NBA ecosystem. Fellows gain experience in marketing, IT, legal and more. The program is working as 22% of alumni have landed full-time jobs across the league and its teams.
NBA Foundation Tech Challenge at AfroTech
In November, the Foundation worked with the Houston Rockets to launch the inaugural Tech Challenge at AfroTech, one of the largest gatherings for Black tech talent in the world. Students from local universities tackled real business problems and pitched their solutions to leaders like Baron Davis, Julian Duncan and Nikki Lasley.
“Through our exciting partnership with the NBA Foundation, Amplitude is able to invest in the next generation—creating pathways into tech, amplifying opportunity, and empowering young people to define their own futures.” said Lasley, Chief DEI Officer at Amplitude.
Real stories, real change
Just ask Anwar McQueen of TEAM Inc., who’s seen firsthand how support from the NBA Foundation turns potential into profession:
“Since partnering with the NBA Foundation, we’ve placed over 40 alumni in analytics, video, coaching, and support roles with NBA teams and sports tech companies,” McQueen said. “These aren’t just internships, they’re career-launching experiences.”
Jason Brown, once part of TEAM Inc.’s first cohort, now serves as chief of staff to the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, Willie Green. Kameron Lewis, who got his start during the pandemic, is now with the San Antonio Spurs’ G-League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. Leti Galarza, a former intern with the Golden State Warriors, is thriving as a data analyst with HD Intelligence.
Ay’Anna Moody, Executive Director of the Golden State Community Foundation, said: “Working collaboratively with the NBA Foundation over the last five years has left an incredible impact on the Bay Area. Investing in organizations such as Team Inc., who is also a Golden State Community Foundation grantee, makes a difference in the lives of young people and provides opportunities for the next generation to make a difference in the world.”
Community roots run deep
Nijhal Robinson earned his diploma and was able to jump start his career with YEP Bike Works.
The Foundation’s longtime partner, the Youth Empowerment Project in New Orleans, has grown its reach by over 50% since 2020, serving 1,067 youth in FY25 compared to 698 in FY21. Their expansion into New Orleans East, made possible with NBA Foundation support, has created vital access for one of the city’s highest-need communities.
“Their foundational support allowed us to establish and grow the New Orleans East Opportunity Center,” said Melissa Sawyer, YEP’s co-founder and CEO. “This partnership has been pivotal in deepening our impact and fostering brighter futures for countless young people and families in the region.”
Nijhal Robinson earned his HiSET diploma after enrolling in several YEP programs and kickstarted a career with YEP Bike Works, a path that once felt out of reach.
What’s next?
“The future of the NBA Foundation is focused on meaningful impact,” said Ruth Jurgensen, Executive Director. “We look forward to continuing support of under-resourced communities in every team market through philanthropy and the power of basketball.”
From entrepreneurs to interns to entire communities, the NBA Foundation is proving that the biggest wins don’t always happen on the court.
And if you didn’t know this was happening behind the scenes in the NBA? Now you do. Tell a friend to visit NBAFoundation.com and follow the Foundation on @NBAFoundation on Instagram, Facebook, and X to see how the game is changing lives every day.
Want to see who’s driving this impact? Check out the full list of partners here.