NBA star Jaylen Brown donates $50m sneaker deal to support youth education and social justice

Jaylen Brown, a Boston Celtics star in the National Basketball Association (NBA), has reportedly donated $50 million from his sneaker deal to support youth education and social justice programs.

The NBA All-Star disclosed this during an emotional press conference at Boston’s Roxbury YMCA, where Brown addressed a crowd of reporters, community leaders, and fans.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said the 28-year-old. “But I believe true success is measured not by what you have, but by what you give. I’m donating every cent of this deal to programs that empower our youth and advance social justice because that’s the legacy I want to leave.”

Brown, already known for his advocacy and intellectual approach to both basketball and social issues, has now positioned himself as one of the most impactful athlete-activists of his generation.

The response was immediate and widespread. Hashtags like #JaylenGivesBack and #MoreThanAnAthlete began trending across social media, while tributes poured in from fans, teammates, and public figures.

“Jaylen Brown is setting a new standard for what it means to be a leader, on and off the court,” tweeted former U.S. President Barack Obama, who has previously met with Brown to discuss community initiatives.

Brown’s unprecedented move echoes the growing movement of athletes leveraging their platforms for broader societal change, but few have matched the sheer scale of his commitment.

With his donation, Brown aims to fund scholarships, community-based programs, mentorship initiatives, and legal support services, all designed to uplift underserved communities and tackle systemic inequality.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.