Monthly Thunder home game experiences give kids an inside view of big dreams and a postgame moment with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The SGA Foundation today announced Home Court Heroes, a new program founded by NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The idea is simple and powerful: when a kid sees what’s possible up close, a dream that once felt far away starts to feel within reach. Throughout the season, the program will host monthly outings to Oklahoma City Thunder home games for children served by Make-A-Wish and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, along with the families and mentors who support them.

Home Court Heroes gives kids a place inside the game, near people who proved what hard work can do. Outings include a personal moment with Shai after the game, aimed at sparking a belief in themselves that lasts well beyond a single night.

“This program is all about self-belief and access, two of the pillars of my foundation. As a kid, an opportunity like this would have been instrumental for me, and they deserve it. I want these kids to walk out of the arena knowing it could be them, and that I’m in their corner,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“We are thrilled to partner with The SGA Foundation to give our wish kids the opportunity to connect with Shai, experience that inspiration firsthand, and carry that belief and hope with them long after the final buzzer,” said Deborah McAuliffe Senner, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. “There is something truly powerful about seeing greatness up close and realizing that extraordinary things are possible for you, too.”

“Sometimes all it takes is one extraordinary experience to change the way a young person sees their future. For our Littles, meeting someone like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just about basketball. It’s about seeing what’s possible and realizing that their own dreams are worth pursuing. We are grateful to Shai and The SGA Foundation for investing in Oklahoma’s young people and giving them memories and inspiration that will last a lifetime,” said Melissa Ramirez, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

The program is part of The SGA Foundation’s work to build pathways for kids and the families raising them. The foundation also plans to take Home Court Heroes on the road in March, when Shai returns home to Ontario to play the Toronto Raptors, extending the program to kids and families in the community where he grew up.

Key Takeaways:

• Access to inspiration: an opportunity for kids to see what’s possible up close and carry that belief with them long after the game.
• Monthly outings: the program alternates between Make-A-Wish and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma throughout the regular season.
• Taking it on the road: an outing in Ontario is planned for March, when the Thunder play the Raptors.

About The SGA Foundation

The SGA Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Guided by three pillars, Self-Belief, Growth, and Access, the foundation builds pathways for kids and the families raising them to achieve their full potential, rooted in Ontario, Oklahoma, and beyond. Gilgeous-Alexander’s charitable activities are supported through two foundations: SGA Foundation in the United States (EIN 41-5188024), a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and The SGA Foundation in Canada, a registered charity. Learn more at sga.foundation.

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SOURCE SGA Foundation