Mavericks' Luka Dončić to Launch Foundation and Youth Research Initiative on World Basketball Day
Luka Dončić is preparing to launch the Luka Dončić Foundation on Saturday, December 21, along with the release of research project "Inside Youth Basketball."
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar and captain of the Slovenian men’s national basketball team, Luka Dončić, is preparing to launch the Luka Dončić Foundation on Saturday, December 21. This launch coincides with World Basketball Day and reflects Dončić’s dedication to making youth sports a more joyful and enriching experience for children around the globe.
The initiative stems from his belief in the power of sports to positively shape lives, a sentiment deeply rooted in his journey. The Foundation’s cornerstone is the “Inside Youth Basketball” report, a comprehensive study examining the state of youth basketball in the United States and Europe, focusing on the Balkan region. It will be released on the Foundation’s official website. The findings highlight the strengths of these systems while addressing pressing issues, such as the increasing number of children abandoning sports.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a staggering 70% of young athletes stop participating in organized sports by the age of 13. To combat this alarming trend, the Foundation is introducing the “Total Hoops Approach,” a set of strategies designed to make youth basketball more accessible, fun, and supportive of personal growth.
“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,” Dončić said. “When I’m on the court, having fun, it feels like the ball is smiling back at me. I want young people around the world to have the same chances to experience that joy. Sports should be a place where kids can safely learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes, and ultimately just have fun—that’s why I’m launching this Foundation and bringing together an incredible team to guide our work,” Dončić said.
In support of the Foundation’s efforts, Dončić has established a Youth Sports Leadership Council, including a prestigious group of athletes, coaches, and advocates. This council brings together luminaries such as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Pau Gasol, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, Igor Kokoškov of the Atlanta Hawks, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tracy McGrady. Each member shares Dončić’s passion for transforming youth sports and has pledged their expertise and support to this global mission.
Curry expressed his enthusiasm for joining the initiative, stating, “I am honored to be a part of Luka’s Youth Sports Leadership Council as we set out to seek positive change in youth sports. 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. Similar to my Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, we share values to help improve the health and well-being of children through sports and play. Together, we will help create places for kids to be active, get outdoors, use their imagination, and participate in youth sports.”
Gasol also voiced his support, saying, “As professional athletes, we have a unique platform to make a meaningful impact on society, and I deeply value Luka’s commitment to using his position to inspire young athletes to embrace sports as a powerful tool for personal growth and the empowerment of future generations. I look forward to sharing my experience, exchanging ideas, and contributing to this important mission alongside such an exceptional group of leaders.”
Ionescu emphasized her shared values with Dončić. “I’m excited to join the Youth Sports Leadership Council alongside some incredible athletes and sports advocates. Luka and I have a shared love of basketball and helping to grow the sport. I am happy to impart some of the learnings and experiences I’ve had with my SI20 Foundation to contribute to his Foundation so we can work together to leave the game better than we found it for future generations,” she said.
Kokoškov reflected on Dončić’s growth and impact in basketball. “Luka Dončić started his journey as a basketball ‘Mozart’—a super talented kid from Slovenia—but today he is one of the best basketball players in the world. His idea to use his platform as an NBA superstar to share his experience and knowledge with the future generations of coaches and players is incredible. Personally, I am honored to be part of this project. I am sure that the Youth Sports Leadership Council will have a great impact on the development of the basketball game in general and also youth players all around the world,” he said.
Nash praised the initiative’s focus on providing resources to children. “I’m excited by what Luka is doing, and happy to help. Dedicating resources is critical to ensuring that kids maximize the potential of sport. Basketball is a beautiful game, and when taught with real intent and purpose, its teachings can be powerful and connective. I can’t wait to get started, and to work with such a great group of advocates for kids,” Nash said.
Nowitzki, who shares a deep connection with Dončić as a Mavericks legend, remarked, “I was honored that Luka asked me to be a part of the Youth Sports Leadership Council. This is an initiative that is not only important to him, but also important to all of us who love the game of basketball. It is vital that our sport keeps growing and that it is accessible for all kids. Basketball is the ultimate team game, and I am excited to be a part of this team as we continue to move the sport forward for future generations.”
McGrady highlighted the broader life lessons sports can teach. “I’m honored to join Luka Dončić’s Youth Council and contribute to making youth sports better for the next generation. Sports have played a pivotal role in my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience, values that extend far beyond the game. By collaborating with Luka and the Council, I hope to help create opportunities that empower young athletes, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and support they need to succeed both on and off the court. Together, we can inspire and uplift the next generation to reach their full potential,” McGrady said.
The Foundation will officially launch during the Mavericks’ game against the Clippers at the American Airlines Center. As part of the celebration, 750 children from organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and Greater Tarrant County, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, and the Dallas Independent School District will attend the game as Dončić’s guests. Fans will also learn about the Foundation’s mission and be invited to participate in its efforts.
Beyond 2025, the Foundation will collaborate with organizations such as FIBA, the NBA, the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, Jordan Brand, and Gatorade to implement pilot programs that apply the “Total Hoops Approach.” Dončić is personally contributing more than $2.5 million to these efforts.
Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, praised the Foundation’s vision, stating, “We are pleased to see this comprehensive report from the Luka Dončić Foundation, which offers an international perspective on various basketball ecosystems. Luka’s exceptional commitment to represent his country is a great example for younger players to follow. 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.”
Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President, added, “The Luka Dončić Foundation will create transformative opportunities for young basketball players around the world, addressing the unique challenges they face with the same dedication and passion he brings to the floor. Luka’s commitment to fostering the global growth of the game will not only elevate the next generation of talent but also bring communities and cultures together through the unifying power of basketball.”
Matej Erjavec, President of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, shared his pride in Dončić’s efforts. “Luka Dončić is more than a generational talent and a captain of his national team; he is a true ambassador of Slovenia around the world. Through his Foundation, he is spreading positivity on and off the court, embodying basketball’s core values, and giving back to the community that has backed his unique journey. We are incredibly proud to support him in these efforts,” Erjavec said.
Additional partners also expressed their support. Susan Mulders, Vice President of Global Sports Marketing at Jordan Brand, remarked, “Luka is the epitome of what the Jumpman logo represents. Not only does he exude greatness on the basketball court, but he also has a strong desire to impact change and inspire hope and possibility to anyone trying to achieve their dreams. We are extremely proud of Luka and are excited to continue to grow basketball and basketball culture globally, together.”
Jeff Kearney, Gatorade’s Global Head of Sports Marketing, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Being a Gatorade athlete isn’t just about being the best in sports. We believe every athlete should have the chance to play sports, and our partners share those values. We’re proud to support Luka and the launch of his Foundation in their efforts to get the next generation in the game and can’t wait to see the undeniable impact it will have on young athletes across the globe.”
Through his Foundation, Dončić ensures that basketball and youth sports continue to serve as a source of inspiration and growth for future generations.
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I hope this will be a topic that you follow up on. It seems a really worthwhile project.