In an inspiring move, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has announced the launch of his own charitable foundation focused on bringing more joy and positivity to youth basketball. The 24-year-old NBA All-Star, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, wants to use his platform and influence to ensure kids learning the sport have the right environment to grow, learn and most importantly – have fun.
A Mission to Reinvigorate Youth Basketball
The Luka Doncic Foundation, officially launching on Saturday to coincide with World Basketball Day, has a clear objective – to bring the pure, unadulterated enjoyment of the game back to the forefront of the youth basketball experience. Doncic and his team believe too much emphasis on competition and results at young ages is “squeezing the joy, creativity and exploration” out of the sport.
“Basketball has been the joy of my life from day one. I still feel the same things today that I did when I was young. When I’m on the court, having fun, it feels like the ball is smiling back at me,” Doncic explained. “I want young people around the world to have the same chances to experience that joy.”
Luka Doncic
To kick off the foundation’s work, Doncic is inviting 750 kids from the Dallas area to attend the Mavericks’ game against the LA Clippers this Saturday. It’s a symbolic gesture to connect his NBA career directly to the grassroots mission of spreading his love of the game.
Research-Driven Approach
In preparation for the launch, Doncic’s foundation has already commissioned an in-depth study on the state of youth basketball in the United States and his native Balkan region of Europe. The findings of this research will help guide the organization’s initiatives and programs.
Key conclusions from the study that will be released to the public on Saturday, point to an overemphasis on competition and results at the expense of skill development and simple enjoyment of the game. The foundation believes addressing this trend is crucial.
“Sports should be a place where kids can safely learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes and ultimately just have fun,” Doncic stated. “That’s why I’m launching this foundation and bringing together an incredible team to guide our work.”
Luka Doncic
All-Star Guidance
To help steer the foundation’s efforts, Doncic has assembled an all-star cast for his Youth Sports Leadership Council. Esteemed members include other NBA stars like Stephen Curry and respected coaches like the Atlanta Hawks’ Igor Kokoskov.
Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Tracy McGrady are also part of the braintrust, lending their decades of experience to the cause. Top WNBA talent like Sabrina Ionescu is on board as well to ensure representation across genders.
- Youth Sports Leadership Council members include:
- Stephen Curry (NBA)
- Sabrina Ionescu (WNBA)
- Igor Kokoskov (Coach)
- Pau Gasol (HOF)
- Steve Nash (HOF)
- Tracy McGrady (HOF)
- Dirk Nowitzki (HOF)
“Luka continues to make a lasting impact locally, as well as on a global scale helping children and families in need from Dallas to Slovenia. … We share values to help improve the health and well-being of children through sports and play,” Curry said. “Together, we will help create places for kids to be active, get outdoors, use their imagination and participate in youth sports.”
Stephen Curry
Pilot Programs Around the World
Armed with over $2.5 million of Doncic’s personal seed funding, the foundation plans to work with FIBA, the NBA, the Basketball Federation of Slovenia and other partners to identify pilot programs across the globe. The goal is to test and implement the organization’s findings on how to build positive, developmentally-appropriate youth basketball experiences.
“This valuable research complements FIBA’s mission to make basketball more popular, and we look forward to working together and using this information to help inspire and educate the next generation, both on and off the court.”
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis
Doncic’s ambitious undertaking reflects his deep passion for the game that has given him so much. By investing significant time, funding and star power into this cause, he aims to pay it forward to the next generation – and change the trajectory of youth basketball for the better.
While Doncic’s on-court heroics captivate fans worldwide, it may be his off-court mission to preserve the joy of the game for kids that leaves the most lasting legacy. The Luka Doncic Foundation’s journey is just beginning, but its heart is already in the right place – ensuring every young hooper can wear a smile as big as the one we see on Luka’s face every time he takes the court.
To help steer the foundation’s efforts, Doncic has assembled an all-star cast for his Youth Sports Leadership Council. Esteemed members include other NBA stars like Stephen Curry and respected coaches like the Atlanta Hawks’ Igor Kokoskov.
Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Tracy McGrady are also part of the braintrust, lending their decades of experience to the cause. Top WNBA talent like Sabrina Ionescu is on board as well to ensure representation across genders.
- Youth Sports Leadership Council members include:
- Stephen Curry (NBA)
- Sabrina Ionescu (WNBA)
- Igor Kokoskov (Coach)
- Pau Gasol (HOF)
- Steve Nash (HOF)
- Tracy McGrady (HOF)
- Dirk Nowitzki (HOF)
“Luka continues to make a lasting impact locally, as well as on a global scale helping children and families in need from Dallas to Slovenia. … We share values to help improve the health and well-being of children through sports and play,” Curry said. “Together, we will help create places for kids to be active, get outdoors, use their imagination and participate in youth sports.”
Stephen Curry
Pilot Programs Around the World
Armed with over $2.5 million of Doncic’s personal seed funding, the foundation plans to work with FIBA, the NBA, the Basketball Federation of Slovenia and other partners to identify pilot programs across the globe. The goal is to test and implement the organization’s findings on how to build positive, developmentally-appropriate youth basketball experiences.
“This valuable research complements FIBA’s mission to make basketball more popular, and we look forward to working together and using this information to help inspire and educate the next generation, both on and off the court.”
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis
Doncic’s ambitious undertaking reflects his deep passion for the game that has given him so much. By investing significant time, funding and star power into this cause, he aims to pay it forward to the next generation – and change the trajectory of youth basketball for the better.
While Doncic’s on-court heroics captivate fans worldwide, it may be his off-court mission to preserve the joy of the game for kids that leaves the most lasting legacy. The Luka Doncic Foundation’s journey is just beginning, but its heart is already in the right place – ensuring every young hooper can wear a smile as big as the one we see on Luka’s face every time he takes the court.
