Breaking news: Beyond Basketball: Devin Booker Donates $10 Million to Youth Mental Health Initiative in Arizona and ……….
Phoenix, AZ — In a powerful demonstration of compassion and purpose beyond the hardwood, Phoenix Suns All-Star guard **Devin Booker** has announced a monumental **\$10 million donation** to launch a statewide **Youth Mental Health Initiative** in Arizona — a move hailed as one of the most significant philanthropic efforts by an active NBA player in recent years.
Booker, 28, who has long used his platform to advocate for underrepresented communities, made the announcement early Monday morning in partnership with several Arizona-based nonprofit organizations. The initiative, titled *”Rise Above,”* will provide mental health counseling, peer support programs, school-based therapy resources, and crisis intervention services for children and teenagers across the state — especially those in underserved and rural communities.
In an emotional press conference held at Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix, Booker said, *“This is bigger than basketball. I’ve met too many young people who are silently struggling. Some don’t have access to help, others are afraid to ask for it. If I can be part of breaking that stigma and giving them the support they deserve, then this is the most important assist I’ll ever make.
Booker revealed that the initiative has been in development for more than a year, following multiple conversations with Arizona school officials, mental health experts, and local families affected by the growing youth mental health crisis. The program will partner with school districts in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and several tribal communities to ensure culturally competent care.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs praised the donation in a statement, calling it *“a landmark moment for youth mental health support in this state”* and *“a courageous step by a public figure who truly understands his impact beyond the court.
Fellow NBA players also took to social media to commend Booker. Lakers forward LeBron James tweeted, *“Mad respect for DBook. THIS is leadership. This is legacy.”* Former Suns teammate Chris Paul wrote, *“Always knew his heart was bigger than his stat line. This is incredible, brother.”
This isn’t Booker’s first step into philanthropy. In 2020, he pledged \$500,000 to the Phoenix Suns Charities to support COVID-19 relief efforts and has long worked with Special Olympics and other youth-focused charities through his *Starting Five* foundation.
“I’ve had my own battles,” Booker admitted during his press conference. “Pressure, expectation, criticism — they can weigh heavy. I’m grateful I’ve had support around me. But not every kid does. That’s what this is about.
The *Rise Above* initiative is set to begin in the 2025–2026 school year, with a goal of reaching at least **50,000 Arizona youth annually**. The program will be independently audited and overseen by a diverse board of educators, medical professionals, and student leaders.
As the NBA offseason continues and trade rumors swirl, one thing is certain: **Devin Booker’s impact is being felt far beyond the three-point line.** With this gesture, he’s sending a powerful message — that mental health matters, and that no child should ever feel alone in their struggle.
In the words of Booker himself: Championships are great. But helping save lives? That’s somethin
g you carry with you forever.