OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander announced the launch of The SGA Foundation on Wednesday. The SGA Foundation operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity in Gilgeous-Alexander's home country of Canada. Its 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 (SGA). "This is about making a real impact and giving back to the communities that have supported me for so many years," Gilgeous-Alexander said in a statement. "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. "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." More: Why OKC Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is No. 1 in 2026-27 NBA PG rankings Order new book on Russell Westbrook's NBA career
The three core principles of The SGA Foundation are what helped Gilgeous-Alexander become the player he is today, a two-time NBA MVP and a one-time NBA champion. The Hamilton, Ontario, native went from being cut from his high school team as a freshman to earning a scholarship at Kentucky. He was then drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018, and he has developed into a superstar throughout his seven seasons with OKC. Gilgeous-Alexander's foundation is rooted in Ontario and Oklahoma, although it'll expand to every community in between where it can make a direct and visible difference. It'll maintain a year-round presence with longstanding programs and impact initiatives set to be announced next month. "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," Charmaine Gilgeous, Gilgeous-Alexander's mother, said in a statement. "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." More: OKC Thunder announces local broadcast, streaming plans for 2026-27 NBA season Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander announces launch of The SGA Foundation Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.