Social Impact
NBA Mission: Inspire and Connect People Everywhere Through The Power of Basketball
As part of the NBA’s mission we will continue to use our influence to effect change around a wide range of issues, including racial equality, health and wellness, education, environmental responsibility and sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. Our work in these areas all fall within the below programs and initiatives.
NBA Cares
NBA Cares is the league’s global social responsibility program that unites people and communities through the game of basketball and shines a light on important social issues – including race, gender, LGBTQ and health equity, education, physical and mental health and wellness, environmental responsibility, and youth, family and community development.
NBA Foundation
Established in August 2020, the NBA Foundation is the league’s first-ever charitable foundation dedicated to driving economic opportunity for Black youth in NBA markets across the United States and Canada. The Foundation invests in local and national organizations that promote school-to-career and workforce development opportunities. To date, it has provided more than $105 million in grant support to 227 nonprofit organizations impacting 80,000 Black youth in all 28 NBA markets.
National Basketball Social Justice Coalition
The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition is an organization of players, coaches, team governors, and executives leading the NBA family’s advocacy work to advance social justice.
NBA Diversity and Inclusion
At the NBA, we celebrate our common love of the game, building connections that enable us to leverage our differences. Basketball transcends all dimensions of diversity – those you can see, and those you can’t. We practice inclusion through recruiting and development, culture and economic engagement.
HBCUs
The NBA’s ongoing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) focuses on creating greater opportunity for students and alumni through professional development, career advancement, and increased support and awareness for HBCU athletics and institutions. Core components of this work include the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program and the NBA HBCU Classic.
NBA Finals Legacy Project: Boston Celtics
The NBA and the Boston Celtics dedicated a newly renovated basketball court at the Berkshire Boys & Girls Club, inclusive of new flooring, backboards, adjustable hoops, and sporting equipment. The project will also provide new technology and books for their Teen Education Center.
NBA Social Impact Report
The NBA embraces our responsibility to the communities where we live, work and play and the unique power we have to use our platform and resources to create meaningful change. Serving those connected to our game is the foundation of our impact around the world.
This report outlines the work of our league, teams and players over the past season that have helped break down barriers, create meaningful connections and support important causes. Together, the NBA family has used its collective influence to make a meaningful impact in communities in the United States and around the world.