The SGA Foundation Officially Launches, Founded by NBA Champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Rooted in the places that shaped him, Ontario and Oklahoma, and driven by Self-Belief, Growth, and Access, the new nonprofit operates as a registered charity in both the United States and Canada, building pathways for kids and the families raising them

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NBA champion and OKC Thunder star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, today announced the official launch of The SGA Foundation, a new nonprofit operating as a registered charity in both the United States and Canada. The dual-country footprint reflects the foundation's roots in the two places that shaped Gilgeous-Alexander's own journey, Ontario and Oklahoma, and his commitment to giving back in both.

"I'm here to officially announce the launch of The SGA Foundation, in both Canada and the US," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. "We're building pathways for kids and the families raising them, built on self-belief, growth, and access. This is about making real impact and giving back to the communities that have supported me for so many years."

"I've been fortunate to do work in the community for years, from annual visits to children's hospitals, to seasonal givebacks, to basketball camps, and I don't take that for granted," Gilgeous-Alexander added. "Now, with my own foundation, I have a real platform to do it more intentionally, showing up for these communities in ways that are lasting and meaningful, and building something that can support them long after I'm done playing."

The SGA Foundation operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity in Canada. The foundation's mission is to build pathways for kids and the families raising them to achieve their full potential through impact centered on Self-Belief, Growth, and Access. Every step of Gilgeous-Alexander's own path required proving himself, having been cut from his high school team and working his way up from there. What kept him moving was self-belief, and the people who showed up for him along the way.

The foundation is rooted in Ontario and Oklahoma, and every community in between where it can make a direct, visible difference. The work will be shaped around impact that fills real gaps in these areas, guided by the communities, passions, and causes closest to Shai's heart.

"I always told him, there's going to be a doctor, there's going to be an NBA player, so believe it could be you," said Charmaine Gilgeous, Shai's mother. "I never imagined it would lead here, to him building something rooted in supporting others and putting kindness first. Seeing him turn that belief into something for other families, that's the proudest I've ever been."

The SGA Foundation will maintain a year-round presence, with longstanding programs and impact initiatives set to be announced next month. Follow along and learn more at sga.foundation and on Instagram at @thesgafoundation.

Key Takeaways:

• New nonprofit launch: The SGA Foundation is officially live, operating as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity in Canada.
• Three pillars: The foundation's work is guided by Self-Belief, Growth, and Access, giving kids and families the tools to build confidence, develop through mentorship and coaching, and gain real access to opportunity.
• Rooted in place: The foundation is anchored in Ontario and Oklahoma, the two regions that shaped Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's own path, with dedicated charitable status in both countries and room to grow into new communities over time.

About The SGA Foundation

The SGA Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Guided by three pillars, Self-Belief, Growth, and Access, the foundation builds pathways for kids and the families raising them to achieve their full potential, rooted in Ontario, Oklahoma, and beyond. Gilgeous-Alexander's charitable activities are supported through two foundations: SGA Foundation in the United States (EIN 41-5188024), a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and The SGA Foundation in Canada, a registered charity. Learn more at sga.foundation.

SOURCE SGA Foundation