Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić is world famous for launching high-arcing three-point shots against his NBA opponents.

Saturday, on World Basketball Day, he’ll launch the Luka Dončić Foundation to focus on ensuring that youth sports are a “joyful, enriching force in the lives of kids around the world.”

Dončić said he’s passionate about ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to experience the joy and transformative power of sports.

“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,” Dončić said in a statement. “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.”

Luka Doncic at a Jr. NBA clinic at Mercy Street West Dallas. [Photo: Ryan Hooker]

Youth basketball study

In advance of this launch, the foundation commissioned a comprehensive study on youth basketball in the United States and Europe (specifically, the Balkan region), two places that have produced some of the greatest basketball players in the world.

The study identified unique strengths of the basketball systems in both regions, but it also found that joy, creativity, and exploration are being squeezed out of the game, the foundation said. Young athletes are leaving sports at an alarming rate, with 70% quitting by age 13, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The foundation said that in response, it is rolling out the “Total Hoops Approach”—a roadmap of bold solutions for transforming youth basketball to ensure it is accessible, fun, and focused on positive child development.

Complete results of the study and details of the “Total Hoops Approach” will be available in the “Inside Youth Basketball” report, which will be officially released publicly on Saturday at the foundation’s website. lukadoncicfoundation.org.

The report is based on interviews with basketball innovators, in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and parents, survey responses, and first-hand immersions in basketball camps and training centers, and it lays out the state of youth basketball in the U.S. and Europe, including strengths worth replicating and challenges worth tackling.

Foundation launch

Dončić’s foundation will launch as the Mavericks play the Clippers during World Basketball Day on Dec. 21 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

As guests of Dončić, 750 children from the Dallas area will attend the game, representing groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and Greater Tarrant County, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, Girl Scouts Northeast Texas, Tackle Tomorrow, the Positive Coaching Alliance, and the Dallas Independent School District.

The foundation said its work will be advised by a Youth Sports Leadership Council, a collection of sports luminaries and advocates, including current and former professional athletes, esteemed coaches, and others who seek positive change in youth sports globally.

Those individuals will work with the foundation to promote a holistic approach to youth sports training, advocate for the “Total Hoops Approach” throughout the basketball community and beyond, and lead in identifying pilot programs to implement and test these ideas.

Youth Sports Leadership Council

The initial group of Youth Sports Leadership Council members includes:

• Stephen Curry, guard, Golden State Warriors, and CEO, Thirty Ink
• Bill Duffy, senior partner, head of basketball, WME
• Pau Gasol, president, the Gasol Foundation and Gasol16 Ventures, member, Athletes’ Commission of the International Olympic Committee, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of ’23
• Sabrina Ionescu, guard, New York Liberty, and founder, SI20 Foundation
• Igor Kokoškov, assistant coach, Atlanta Hawks, and former head coach, Slovenian Men’s National Team
• Steve Nash, founder, The Steve Nash Foundation, former Maverick, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2018
• Dirk Nowitzki, Entrepreneur, retired Dallas Maverick, philanthropist, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2023
• Tracy McGrady, entrepreneur, philanthropist, NFL minority owner and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2017

“I was honored that Luka asked me to be a part of the Youth Sports Leadership Council,” Nowitzki said in a statement. “This is an initiative that’s not only important to him, but also important to all of us who love the game of basketball. It’s vital that our sport keeps growing and that it is accessible for all kids. Basketball is the ultimate team game, and I’m excited to be a part of this team as we continue to move the sport forward for future generations.”

Former Maverick Nash said he’s ready to start his role on the council.

“I’m excited by what Luka is doing, and happy to help,” Nash said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Curry said. “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.”

“I’m honored to join Luka Dončić’s Youth Council and contribute to making youth sports better for the next generation,” McGrady said. “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.”

Elevating the next generation and the ‘global growth of the game’

In 2025 and beyond, the foundation will work alongside entities such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the NBA, the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, Jordan Brand, Gatorade, and others in sports, youth development, wellness, and education to identify pilot programs around the globe in which they will implement and test the “Total Hoops Approach.”

Dončić will personally contribute more than $2.5 million to his foundation.

“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,” Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president, head of basketball operations, said in a statement. “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.”

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