Green Sports Alliance Announces the Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Green Sports Day's leadership pillar, the Green Sports Alliance (Alliance) proudly announces the creation of the Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award, an annual honor recognizing extraordinary leadership in environmental and social sustainability through sports.

The award pays tribute to the achievements of the legendary sportsman by celebrating Walton's powerful, larger-than-life role in the sports sustainability movement and carrying his legacy forward for generations to come.

At the 2025 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Miami, Jamie Zaninovich–Green Sports Alliance board member, managing director at TrailRunner International, and longtime friend of Bill Walton, announced the dedication of the new award in Walton's memory.

"Bill was a towering figure–not just in stature or sport, but in impact," said Zaninovich. "This award ensures his legacy continues to inspire the sports world to act boldly for our planet and communities."

A Hall of Fame basketball player–at UCLA, the Trail Blazers, Clippers and the Celtics, a broadcaster, and an ardent activist, Walton was a passionate champion of climate action, social equity, and sustainability in all aspects of life. Through his work with the NBA, Pac-12, the Alliance, and even his beloved Grateful Dead, Walton consistently used his platform to inspire others to live with purpose and to protect the planet.

Lori Walton , Bill's wife, delivered a heartfelt message to the Summit audience via video.

"Because Bill absolutely loved being outdoors, receiving the energy of nature, he wanted to do everything he could to make sure that future generations could experience that same joy."

The Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award will be presented annually to a trailblazer who exemplifies Walton's spirit, joy, and relentless commitment to creating a greener, more inclusive world. It will recognize those who lead with heart–individuals who use their voice, platform, and daily actions to drive environmental and social progress across the sports and entertainment industries.

The first recipient of the Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award will be honored at the 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Cleveland, Ohio.

The 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit theme, "RESILIENT," will highlight the role of sports in driving sustainability and strength in the face of evolving environmental challenges. It emphasizes long-term strategies that empower the sports industry to lead with adaptability, responsibility, and impact. Register through December 31, 2025, for super early-bird pricing (50% off).

SOURCE GREEN SPORTS ALLIANCE