Luka Dončić Launches Global Grant Program to Combat Youth Sports Dropout

Luka Dončić is targeting the financial hurdles that force teenagers out of organized athletics, launching a three-year grant initiative today. The Stay in Play program will award up to $25,000 to 77 young athletes, providing a lifeline for those aged 12 to 15 who face economic barriers to their continued development.

Corp and Tech·June 24, 2026·reads: 1,054

Luka Dončić Launches Global Grant Program to Combat Youth Sports Dropout

The initiative arrives as youth sports participation often plummets during the early teenage years, frequently driven by prohibitive costs rather than a lack of interest or skill. By offering flexible funding, the foundation aims to cover essential expenses including coaching fees, equipment, travel, and league registration across 176 different sports. The program is currently open to applicants in 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Slovenia, with the window for submissions closing on August 20, 2026.

Lara Beth Seager, CEO of the foundation, emphasized that the grants prioritize individual needs over elite scouting, allowing young athletes to define the specific resources required to stay in the game. This program aligns with the foundation’s ongoing research into systemic barriers within youth athletics, following their previous work on coaching curriculums and ecosystem analyses. Recipients of this inaugural cohort will be announced this winter, marking a shift toward direct financial intervention while the organization continues its long-term advocacy for structural reform in sports.