In the realm of professional sports, the influence of athletes extends far beyond their performances on the field or court. This article delves into the significant impacts that basketball icons have made off the court, highlighting their roles as activists and philanthropists.
From promoting social justice to supporting educational and healthcare initiatives, these athletes leverage their fame and resources to drive meaningful change worldwide. Join us as we explore the lives of 20 such figures who have transcended the boundaries of sports to make a lasting difference.
18. Yao Ming
Yao Ming’s impact extends far beyond basketball. He established the Yao Foundation in 2008, focusing on education and rebuilding schools after the Sichuan earthquake. As an animal activist, Yao campaigns against shark fin soup consumption and elephant poaching. His influence bridges cultural gaps between China and the US.
17. Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo have left an indelible mark. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on health and education. His crowning achievement was the $29 million Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, opened in 2007, which has treated over 200,000 people in Kinshasa.
16. Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol’s off-court impact rivals his on-court success. As a UNICEF Global Champion for Nutrition and Zero Childhood Obesity, he fights childhood obesity through the Gasol Foundation. Gasol also advocates for mental health, drawing from his own experiences with childhood bullying. His commitment to children’s well-being extends to naming his daughter after Kobe Bryant’s late daughter, Gianna.
15. Enes Kanter Freedom
Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, became a prominent human rights activist. He vocally criticized human rights violations in Turkey and China, leading to his NBA career’s end. Freedom received the Gold Good Citizenship Medal for promoting First Amendment freedoms globally. He changed his surname to “Freedom” upon becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021.
14. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, former Denver Nuggets star, sparked controversy in 1996 by refusing to stand for the national anthem, calling the flag a symbol of “tyranny and oppression.” His protest led to a brief suspension and ultimately shortened his NBA career. Abdul-Rauf continues to advocate for social justice, inspiring later athletes like Colin Kaepernick.
13. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s off-court legacy is marked by controversy and philanthropy. He’s known for promoting conspiracy theories, including flat Earth beliefs and vaccine skepticism. In 2022, Irving faced backlash for sharing an antisemitic film, resulting in an NBA suspension. However, he’s also donated millions to various causes, including $1.5 million to WNBA players who opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.
12. Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown, a Boston Celtics star, is making waves both on and off the court. His 7uice Foundation fights systemic racism by closing opportunity gaps for underserved youth. Brown’s $304 million contract extension in 2023 fuels his goal to bring “Black Wall Street” to Boston, aiming to generate $5 billion in net wealth for underserved communities.
11. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter, is making waves off-court as a social justice champion. In 2023, he won the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award for his work in voting rights, gender equity, and combating food scarcity. Curry’s efforts include co-chairing Michelle Obama’s “When We All Vote” initiative and running the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation with his wife Ayesha.
10. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony’s impact extends beyond his 10 All-Star selections. He founded The Carmelo Anthony Foundation in 2005, supporting underserved communities. In 2020, he co-created the Social Change Fund United to empower communities of color. Anthony received the NBA’s inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award in 2021, recognizing his longstanding commitment to social justice.
9. Chris Paul
Chris Paul’s impact extends beyond basketball through his Chris Paul Family Foundation, supporting education and social justice initiatives. He’s a vocal advocate for HBCUs, creating scholarships and hosting tournaments to increase their visibility. Paul also serves on President Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, amplifying their importance nationally.
8. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade’s off-court impact is as impressive as his basketball career. He advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, inspired by his daughter Zaya. In 2024, Wade launched Translatable, an online platform supporting transgender youth. He also co-founded the Social Change Fund United, investing in organizations empowering communities of color.
7. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s impact extended far beyond basketball. He championed youth development through the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, supported homeless youth initiatives, and raised awareness for the Darfur conflict. Bryant also served as a national ambassador for After-School All-Stars, empowering low-income students across the U.S.
6. Michael Jordan
Initially criticized for avoiding political stances, Jordan has evolved into a significant philanthropist. He donated $100 million to racial equality organizations in 2020 and funded two medical clinics in Charlotte. Jordan’s journey from reluctant activist to impactful donor demonstrates his growing commitment to social causes beyond basketball.
5. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson’s impact extends far beyond basketball. After his HIV diagnosis in 1991, he became a powerful advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Johnson has also been a successful entrepreneur, focusing on bringing businesses to underserved urban areas. His Magic Johnson Foundation continues to support educational and health initiatives in minority communities.
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4. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, known as “The Big O,” was a trailblazer both on and off the court. As the first Black president of the NBA Players Association, he filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA in 1970, leading to the “Oscar Robertson Rule” that paved the way for free agency in professional sports, fundamentally changing player-owner dynamics.
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3. LeBron James
LeBron James has become a powerful voice for social justice, founding the “More Than a Vote” initiative to combat voter suppression and speaking out against racial inequality. His LeBron James Family Foundation opened the I Promise School in Akron, providing education and support for at-risk youth. James continues to use his platform to advocate for change and empower communities.
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2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extends far beyond his legendary NBA career. As a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice, he established the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award in 2021. The award recognizes NBA players who pursue social justice and uphold values of equality, respect, and inclusion.
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1. Bill Russell
Bill Russell was a civil rights trailblazer who used his NBA platform to fight racial injustice. He led the first player boycott in 1961, participated in the 1963 March on Washington, and supported Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War. Russell’s activism continued well into the 21st century, supporting modern athletes’ protests against inequality.
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