Wilson & NBA Draftees Team up to Support YMCA Through NBA Summer League Play

Throughout 2023 NBA Summer League, Wilson doanted $30,000 to local YMCA chapters in Jett Howard, Cam Whitmore and Jalen Wilson’s new NBA team markets.

This summer Wilson committed to activating play at local YMCAs with three talented athletes from the 2023 NBA Draft class. Through our existing national partnership with the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), Wilson donated to local YMCA chapters in the new NBA team locations for Jett Howard, Cam Whitmore, and Jalen Wilson throughout the 2023 NBA Summer League.

“Having the opportunity to partner with three NBA rookies as they step onto the biggest stage at Summer League is really special to Wilson,” said Kevin Murphy, General Manager, Wilson Team Sports. “Raising money for YMCAs in their new team markets is a really tremendous way to start their pro careers, making a lasting impression on their youngest fans, Y members.

We started with a $5,000 donation on each athletes’ behalf to local YMCA chapters in Houston, Brooklyn, and Orlando. Each player then had the opportunity to raise our donation during their debut games at 2023 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Howard, Whitmore, and Wilson increased the donations by $100 for each point they scored and $50 for each assist. All three players raised $10,000, donated by Wilson, for the communities in their new team markets.

“I’m so excited to be starting my professional career in Orlando, and having the opportunity to give back to kids in Central Florida through my Summer League games is really amazing,” said Jett Howard, 11th overall Draft pick and Orlando Magic rookie. “I’m not that far removed from the age of the kids at the Y, so being able to partner with Wilson to be a positive influence and relatable role model is so special.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT JETT'S PATH TO THE DRAFT

At the end of Summer League, we visited local YMCAs in Orlando, Houston, and Brooklyn, surprising young members with athlete appearances and basketball clinics in the communities.

Wilson’s Summer League-adjacent program is part of a multi-year national partnership with Y-USA, now in its third year. This partnership has provided $1,500,000 in funding over three years with the purpose of creating accessibility for underserved youth in sports. Wilson aims to motivate youth to actively participate, through exposure to real-life experiences such as career fairs and mentorship, as well as access to courts, fields, events and industry-leading sporting goods.

Follow @wilsonbasketball on social for more NBA behind-the-scenes.