Tyrese Haliburton Donates Entire $18.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Fund Housing for Indiana’s Homeless…..
In a stunning and deeply moving act of generosity, Indiana Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton announced this week that he is donating his entire $18.9 million performance bonus and sponsorship earnings to combat homelessness in Indiana. The donation will go directly to a local Indianapolis homeless shelter, which plans to use the funds to build 150 permanent housing units and add 300 new shelter beds.
At a packed news conference held Friday morning outside the site where the new housing will be constructed, the 25-year-old NBA star spoke with emotion about his motivations for the massive philanthropic gesture.
> “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,” Haliburton said. “It’s not just a statistic to me. It’s people—families, veterans, kids—trying to survive with no roof over their heads. I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way. No one deserves to sleep on a pavement.”
According to the shelter’s executive director, the donation is the largest single private contribution the organization has ever received in its history.
> “This is a transformational moment for us and for the entire community,” said Diane Bell, director of the Indianapolis Housing Hope Coalition. “Tyrese’s gift doesn’t just offer shelter, it offers dignity, stability, and a new start for hundreds of individuals and families.”
A Legacy Off the Court
Haliburton, who was recently named to the All-NBA Second Team and led the Pacers to their deepest playoff run in nearly a decade, has become a beloved figure not just for his court vision and athleticism, but also for his humility and community commitment.
The decision to forgo nearly $19 million of personal wealth shocked fans and teammates alike, though many said it was “exactly the kind of thing” they would expect from the young star.
> “Tyrese is just built different,” said teammate Myles Turner. “He’s always talking about using our platform to make change. Now he’s putting real money behind those words.”
Building Hope
The project, scheduled to begin construction this fall, will include a mix of permanent supportive housing and transitional units. It will also offer wraparound services including job training, mental health counseling, childcare, and substance abuse treatment.
The initiative is expected to help more than 700 people in its first year alone. City officials praised the effort and indicated plans to fast-track permits and zoning approvals to expedite the build.
> “This donation has catapulted a dream into a reality,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “It’s rare that a single act can shift the course of a city’s future. Today, we saw one.”
A Ripple Effect
In the hours following the announcement, social media erupted with praise. Fans, celebrities, and civic leaders alike hailed Haliburton’s act as “heroic,” “selfless,” and “a model of modern sports leadership.” Some have even called for similar efforts from other high-earning athletes and entertainers.
In response to the public outpouring, Haliburton issued a simple message on Instagram: “We all can do something. This is just my part.”
While Haliburton has been active in charity work throughout his career, including youth basketball clinics and educational initiatives, this donation marks a significant expansion of his philanthropic footprint.
Beyond Basketball
Though Haliburton is just entering the prime of his career, this gesture signals a broader legacy—one that extends far beyond basketball arenas and box scores.
> “When people talk about greatness, I hope they don’t just look at championships and stats,” Haliburton said. “I hope they look at how we made people’s lives better.”
As the applause faded at the news conference, a few shelter residents and community advocates stood quietly, some with tears in their eyes.
> “He didn’t have to do this,” one woman said. “But he did. And because of that, my kids and I might have a place to sleep next year.”
Tyrese Haliburton’s decision may not win him an NBA title this season—but it has undoubtedly won the hearts of a community. And for many without a place to call home, it’s already made him a champion.