How Luka Dončić’s $25,000 move is helping young athletes stay in sports and keep chasing their dreams despite financial barriers(Getty)
The amount depends on the athlete’s situation and can reach $25,000. Applications close on August 20, 2026, with the first recipients scheduled to be notified in December. Because of circumstances outside their control, dončić said he is saddened when young athletes leave sports.
It was my peace place,” Dončić said. I want to make it easier for young athletes to keep playing the sports they love,” he said. The idea comes from Dončić’s own childhood in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Basketball gave him a place to play and escape from everything else around him. Now, he wants to help other young athletes stay involved when training, equipment, travel and club fees become too expensive. “When I was a kid growing up in Ljubljana, all I wanted to do was run to the outdoor court behind my apartment to play basketball. That memory sits at the center of Stay in Play. Play changed my life, I know how quickly dreams can disappear without the right opportunities. That’s why I’m so passionate about Stay in Play. Stay in Play gives the foundation flexibility to help athletes with different needs. Grant money can cover coaching and training, equipment, travel to competitions or training facilities, and club, league or program fees. Parents or legal guardians must begin the application, while the young athlete completes their part. A recommender also needs to submit a form.