BREAKING NEWS:Legendary Kentucky Basketball Star and 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Donates $2.7 Million — 15% of His $18 Million Endorsement Earnings — to Charities Across Canada in Celebration of His Historic MVP Season
In an inspiring move that’s winning hearts beyond the hardwood, 2025 NBA MVP and former Kentucky Wildcats standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has pledged 15% of his annual $18 million in endorsement earnings — totaling $2.7 million — to charitable organizations throughout his native Canada.
The donation, announced just days after Gilgeous-Alexander was officially crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, is being made in celebration of a season for the ages — and as a heartfelt thank you to the communities that helped shape him.
“Canada raised me, believed in me, and gave me everything,” Shai said in a statement. “Now I’m giving back to uplift the next generation.”
The funds will be distributed across youth basketball programs, educational scholarships, and mental health initiatives, with a focus on underserved communities in Ontario, where SGA grew up. Several Canadian cities are already planning public tributes to honor his incredible season and philanthropic spirit.
Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his silky smooth game and calm leadership, had a career-defining year, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder deep into the playoffs while averaging over 30 points per game. Off the court, he’s quickly becoming a global icon — and now, a role model for giving back.
Fans, teammates, and fellow NBA stars have taken to social media to praise the gesture, calling it “the MVP move of the year.” As the basketball world celebrates his greatness on the court, this powerful act of generosity proves that SGA is just as elite off of it.
📢 Read more about Shai’s impact across Canada and how his donation is changing lives…