DALLAS — Luka Doncic, the talented guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is taking a significant step by establishing his own foundation, emphasizing the importance of positive and constructive environments for children learning basketball. The Luka Doncic Foundation is set to officially launch on Saturday, coinciding with World Basketball Day. To celebrate, Doncic intends to host 750 children from the Dallas community at a Mavericks game later that evening against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In preparation for this initiative, the foundation has already undertaken a comprehensive five-month study focusing on youth basketball in both the United States and the Balkan region of Europe. The results of this investigation, to be released publicly on Saturday, reveal troubling trends, such as the diminishing presence of “joy, creativity, and exploration” within the game, as stated by the foundation.
“Basketball has brought immense joy to my life since I was young, and I still feel that happiness when I play,” Doncic expressed in a statement from his foundation. He emphasized his desire for young athletes worldwide to share in this joy. “Sports should be a safe haven where kids can learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun,” he remarked. “That’s the motivation behind the foundation, and I am excited to work with a fantastic team to guide our efforts.”
Doncic’s foundation will be supported by a Youth Sports Leadership Council, which consists of notable figures such as his agent Bill Duffy, NBA stars Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, former Slovenia national team coach Igor Kokoškov, and basketball legends including Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, and Dirk Nowitzki.
Curry spoke positively about Doncic’s initiative, noting similarities between Doncic’s foundation and his and his wife’s “Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation,” which focuses on assisting children and families in the Bay Area. “Luka is making a meaningful difference both locally and globally, helping those in need from Dallas to Slovenia. We share a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of children through sports and play,” Curry stated. He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration aimed at providing children with opportunities to lead active lives, engage in imaginative play, and participate in sports.
Moreover, Doncic’s foundation is set to collaborate with various organizations, including FIBA, the NBA, the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, Jordan Brand, and Gatorade. They aim to identify pilot programs worldwide to implement the findings of the foundation’s research. Doncic has pledged over $2.5 million of his own funds to support this noble endeavor.
“Luka’s dedication to representing his country is an inspiring role model for younger athletes,” remarked FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. “The research produced by his foundation aligns with FIBA’s mission to promote basketball’s global appeal, and we eagerly anticipate utilizing this information to motivate and educate the next generation both on and off the court.”
