In a stunning and heartfelt move that has sent shockwaves across the sports world, Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton has made headlines not for his signature no-look passes or clutch three-pointers, but for an act of generosity that goes far beyond the basketball court.
This morning, Haliburton announced that he is donating half of his 2025-2026 NBA salary—estimated at over $17 million—to fund underprivileged youth programs across Indiana and his hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The funds will go toward building community centers, supporting youth mental health initiatives, and creating scholarship opportunities for aspiring student-athletes.
“I’ve been blessed beyond belief through this game,” Haliburton said in an emotional press conference. “But there are kids out there who don’t have the resources or opportunities that I had. I want to change that. This is bigger than basketball.”
The NBA community quickly rallied around Haliburton’s decision. LeBron James, now an NBA executive, praised him on social media, calling the act “true leadership” and “the embodiment of what athletes should strive to be.” Current players like Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards echoed similar sentiments, with Tatum tweeting: “Salute to Tyrese. That’s legacy-level impact.”
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed both admiration and pride. “Tyrese has always led with heart—on and off the court. This just shows the kind of man he is. We’re proud to have him represent this franchise and this city.”
The selfless gesture comes at a time when public conversations around athletes’ roles in society are growing louder. Haliburton’s donation, made through a newly formed foundation titled The Second Pass Initiative, aims to provide sustainable community support, not just one-off donations. “It’s about building something lasting,” he emphasized. “We’re not just handing out help; we’re building futures.”
The NBA has confirmed that it will match Haliburton’s donation dollar-for-dollar as part of its NBA Cares initiative, potentially doubling the total impact of the move.
At just 25 years old, Tyrese Haliburton is already regarded as one of the league’s brightest young stars. But today, his legacy took a new shape—one not measured in points or assists, but in lives touched and futures changed.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, one thing is certain: Tyrese Haliburton is not just a franchise cornerstone for the Indiana Pacers. He’s becoming a cornerstone for hope in communities across America.
