“I know how quickly dreams can disappear”: How Luka Dončić’s $25,000 move is helping young athletes stay in sports and keep chasing their dreams despite financial barriers | NBA News
Luka Dončić wants young athletes to have the chance to keep playing even when money becomes a problem. Through the Luka Dončić Foundation, the Los Angeles Lakers star has launched Stay in Play, a three-year grant program for athletes between 12 and 15. The program will support at least 77 athletes and offer grants of up to $25,000 based on individual needs.The idea comes from Dončić’s own childhood in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Basketball gave him a place to play and escape from everything else around him. Now, he wants to help other young athletes stay involved when training, equipment, travel and club fees become too expensive.
Luka Dončić wants young athletes to keep the opportunities that changed his life
Dončić remembers how simple basketball felt when he was growing up. He would run to the outdoor court behind his apartment because he simply wanted to play.“When I was a kid growing up in Ljubljana, all I wanted to do was run to the outdoor court behind my apartment to play basketball. It was my peace place,” Dončić said.That memory sits at the center of Stay in Play. Dončić said he is saddened when young athletes leave sports because of circumstances outside their control.“I’m so sad to see kids walking away from youth sports because of circumstances outside their control. Play changed my life, I know how quickly dreams can disappear without the right opportunities. That’s why I’m so passionate about Stay in Play. I want to make it easier for young athletes to keep playing the sports they love,” he said.The foundation chose the 12-to-15 age group because those years can become a difficult point for young athletes. Costs can rise as children move into more competitive training and travel for events. For some families, those expenses can make continued participation difficult.Stay in Play is not limited to basketball. The program covers 176 sports and is open to athletes in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. Eligible sports include those recognized by the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee, along with sports governed by recognized international federations.The foundation also made it clear that applicants do not need to be the best athletes in their sport. The program looks at their commitment, what they have dealt with to keep playing and what support would help them continue.
Luka Dončić’s $25,000 grants can cover the costs keeping kids out of sports
Stay in Play gives the foundation flexibility to help athletes with different needs. Grant money can cover coaching and training, equipment, travel to competitions or training facilities, and club, league or program fees. The amount depends on the athlete’s situation and can reach $25,000.The foundation says the grants are needs-based and may be paid in installments. At least 25 athletes will receive support in 2026, with at least 77 athletes supported across the full three-year program.There are also specific requirements. Athletes must be 12 to 15 when they apply, have participated in their sport for at least six months and remain enrolled in school and in good academic standing. They cannot have a professional contract or commercial sponsorship.Parents or legal guardians must begin the application, while the young athlete completes their part. A recommender also needs to submit a form. Applications close on August 20, 2026, with the first recipients scheduled to be notified in December.The program adds to the foundation’s work in youth sports since its launch in December 2024. It has also worked on youth basketball research and coaching programs aimed at improving the experience for young players.For Dončić, Stay in Play is about keeping a young athlete from having to make a choice between their sport and what their family can afford. His foundation is now putting that idea into action by helping cover the costs that can force kids to stop playing.
