In a powerful gesture of empathy, leadership, and enduring love for the community that made him a legend, two-time NBA MVP and Phoenix Suns icon Steve Nash has announced a $19 million donation to establish the Steve Nash Center for Mental Wellness & Performance. The facility will be built in the heart of Phoenix and will serve athletes, students, and families battling the silent crisis of mental health.
The donation, one of the largest ever by a former NBA player to a mental health initiative, reflects Nash’s long-standing commitment to holistic well-being — not just in sports, but in life.
“Basketball gave me everything,” Nash said at a press conference held courtside at Footprint Center. “But even in my best years, the pressure, the expectations, the injuries — they take a toll. Today, I want to give back in a way that helps others carry the load that can’t always be seen. Because mental health is health.”
The center, expected to open in late 2026, will provide therapy, crisis support, wellness training, and education for youth, athletes, veterans, and anyone facing mental health challenges. It will also include a research division focused on athlete psychology, stress management, and performance under pressure.
For Nash, who played 10 seasons with the Suns and is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, this project is personal. During his playing days, he was known for his leadership, vision, and selflessness — qualities that now define his philanthropic mission.
The Steve Nash Foundation has long championed children’s health and education worldwide, but this marks its largest single investment in domestic healthcare. “We’ve always focused on lifting up the whole person — mind, body, and spirit,” Nash said. “This center brings that full circle in the community that helped shape me.”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised the gift as “a game-changer” and said, “Steve Nash isn’t just an NBA legend. He’s a builder of people, a healer, and a true son of Phoenix.”
The NBA community quickly rallied around the announcement. Suns stars past and present shared tributes on social media, with Devin Booker posting: “Steve set the gold standard for what it means to lead. Now he’s leading a movement that could save lives.”
The center will also serve as a training and research hub for Arizona State University psychology and sports science students, fostering a new generation of wellness professionals. Its design will include calming outdoor spaces, art therapy zones, and technology-driven treatment options — blending science with heart.
Asked why he chose this particular cause, Nash responded, “Because strength isn’t just pushing through. It’s knowing when to ask for help — and making sure help is there when people need it most.”
From MVP to mental health champion, Steve Nash continues to redefine what greatness means — not only for Phoenix, but for every life that needs hope, healing, and a second chance.
