PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

Social Justice

The Sacramento Kings have an extensive history of speaking out about issues of social and racial injustice and partnering with the community to impact change. In 2018, following the tragic shooting of an unarmed black man, Stephon Clark, by police, the team created a multi-year partnership with Build. Black., a coalition formed to transform Black communities with deep investment in Black youth. Together with Build. Black, the team has held numerous events, including an annual co-ed youth summer basketball league – Kings and Queens Rise, and hosted thousands of area youth associated with the coalition, impacting the lives of countless young people across the city.

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In 2019, the Kings developed and launched “Team Up for Change” – a model for how teams can address issues of injustice in their communities. The first two years, the Kings partnered with the Milwaukee Bucks to host a daylong summit designed to address social justice issues. The partnership has grown and now includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Wings.

Building on their commitment to give back, the organization developed a “Pledge to Our Black Community,” a continuation of their commitment to utilize their platform to influence social and systemic change to address institutional racism. The Kings are dedicated to doing the work and remain focused on being a part of the solution through sustained action.

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Mind Health & Wellness

Dedicated to our Health priority, the Sacramento Kings focus on both physical and mental wellbeing. In partnership with local non-profits, the team offers opportunities for youth and adults to engage in positive practices that stimulate overall wellbeing. The team highlights opportunities to promote mental wellness during NBA FIT Week, through a Community Health Spotlight Night, Jr. Kings clinics, and more. Internally, staff are encouraged to utilize Headspace, a wellness app that promotes health and happiness through guided meditations. Through the NBA Cares initiative, the Kings continue to build on their commitment to the overall wellness of fans, youth, and the community.

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Mentorship

The Kings Mentorship initiative strives to support, highlight and celebrate the work of groups in the region that focus on mentorship with youth. This program creates a gateway for local youth to engage with the Sacramento Kings in a unique way highlighting the impact on both mentees and mentors. More information can be found at: Mentoring.org/NBA Year-round, the Sacramento Kings provide various donations to local nonprofits to use for fundraising events, volunteer incentives, educational rewards and more. Our typical donation items include Kings branded swag, game tickets, player signed merchandise and special experiences at Kings games.

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NBA Cares

NBA Cares is the league’s global social responsibility program that builds on the NBA’s mission of addressing important social issues. NBA Cares programs and participants have provided more than 4.1 million hours of hands-on service and created more than 1,115 places where kids and families can live, learn or play in communities around the world. The NBA also engages more than 18 million youth annually, inspiring play and teaching the values of the game. NBA Cares works with internationally recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.The Sacramento Kings Kids Club is designed to help young fans show their pride. With free and paid memberships for youth 17 and under, the Kids Club provides members and their family exclusive opportunities and special offers throughout the season. For more information and to sign up click the link below.

Awards and Recognition

For this work the team has been recognized with the following awards:

2020 NBA Inclusion Innovation Award
2020 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team Award Finalist
2019 NBA Inclusion Innovation Award
2019 Robert T. Matsui Community Service Award
2019 Greater Sacramento Urban League Unity Award