In a monumental act of generosity, Indiana Pacers icon and NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird has once again proven that his impact reaches far beyond basketball. The legendary player, coach, and executive has officially donated $18 million toward the construction of a state-of-the-art youth empowerment and community development center in Indianapolis.
The project, named the Larry Bird Youth Empowerment Center, aims to provide transformative opportunities for thousands of underprivileged and at-risk youth across Indiana. Set to break ground later this year, the facility will be a beacon of hope—featuring professional-grade indoor basketball courts, tech-enhanced classrooms, career training labs, mental health resources, and transitional housing for homeless youth.
Bird, who led the Pacers to historic milestones during his tenure as head coach and team president, has long been admired for his humble roots and unshakable commitment to the Indiana community. This donation marks one of the largest charitable contributions by any sports figure in the state’s history.
“This is about more than basketball,” Bird said at the announcement event. “It’s about giving kids a chance—just like I had. I want this center to be a place where dreams begin, not end.”
The center is designed to serve over 3,000 young individuals annually, offering a variety of programs centered around leadership development, sports training, education, wellness, and career readiness. It will also host free youth leagues, summer camps, mentorship events, and scholarship initiatives—all under one roof.
Bird’s $18 million donation has inspired a wave of support from the Pacers organization, with players, staff, and local businesses pledging additional resources to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability. Pacers owner Herb Simon praised the move, calling Bird “a living example of servant leadership and what it means to be a Hoosier.”
The Larry Bird Youth Empowerment Center will also include a “Legends Hall,” showcasing Indiana basketball history and the stories of athletes who used the game as a pathway to success—aiming to motivate future generations.
Larry Bird’s legacy, already cemented in the annals of NBA history with three MVPs, multiple championships, and executive accolades, now expands into a realm even more enduring: the lives he will change through this extraordinary act of giving.
From Boston Garden glory to Indiana hardwood heroism and now heartfelt philanthropy, Larry Bird continues to redefine what it means to be a true legend—on and off the court.
