Luka Dončić’s $25,000 move helps young athletes keep their dreams alive
NBA star Luka Dončić has launched the 'Stay in Play' foundation, a grant program providing up to $25,000 to young athletes aged 12 to 15. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to sports participation for children across several countries.
Why it matters
The program addresses the rising costs of youth sports, which often exclude children from lower-income backgrounds from competitive opportunities.
Luka Dončić wants young athletes to have the chance to keep playing even when money becomes a problem. Through the Luka Dončić Foundation, the Los Angeles Lakers star has launched Stay in Play, a three-year grant program for athletes between 12 and 15. The program will support at least 77 athletes and offer grants of up to $25,000 based on individual needs.The idea comes from Dončić’s own childhood in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Basketball gave him a place to play and escape from everything else around him. Now, he wants to help other young athletes stay involved when training, equipment, travel and club fees become too expensive.Luka Dončić wants young athletes to keep the opportunities that changed his lifeDončić remembers how simple basketball felt when he was growing up.
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