2K Foundations, the driving force behind 2K’s social impact, will become the primary partner of Basketball Ireland’s underage teams, including the launch of the Future is Green initiative. This dedicated fund will ensure Irish basketball becomes a powerful platform for youth opportunity by providing greater access for every young athlete, everywhere in Ireland to play basketball. Together, they’re investing in the next generation of Irish talent and championing confidence building, leadership and life skills that create a foundation for bright futures for kids, both on and off the court.
The Future is Green programme will support Ireland’s underage national basketball pathway across U16, U18 and U20 men’s and women’s teams, helping athletes access international opportunities through travel, preparation camps, inclusion initiatives, and wellbeing programmes.
As the founding partner of the initiative, 2K Foundations will work alongside Basketball Ireland to invest directly in the future of Irish basketball, ensuring it continues to be a powerful platform for youth opportunity and development.
Basketball Ireland’s six underage international squads compete at the highest level of European basketball each summer, representing Ireland on the international stage. Through Future is Green, athletes and families will receive meaningful support to help ease the financial pressure associated with elite competition and international representation.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment from 2K Foundations and Basketball Ireland to empower young people through sport and provide opportunities for the next generation to reach their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance.
“This partnership is a proud moment for our Dublin team and reflects what 2K Foundations is all about - unlocking opportunity and potential for the next generation. Being rooted in Dublin means the Irish basketball community is our community, and we're committed to giving back to it”, said Mick O’Dwyer, VP of NBA 2K. “Basketball Ireland shares our vision that every athlete should have the chance to represent their country, regardless of financial or social barriers. We're excited to help support the future of Irish basketball, both on and off the court."
Basketball continues to experience unprecedented growth in Ireland and is now the country’s number one indoor team sport. With more than 800,000 basketball fans nationwide and ranking as the third most followed sport among Gen Z audiences in Ireland, the sport’s momentum continues to accelerate across communities nationwide.
2K’s Dublin office will further support the program through volunteering initiatives, community engagement, player development activities, and pathway-support programs designed to create direct and lasting impact for young athletes.
As part of the partnership, the 2K logo will also feature across all Ireland U16, U18 and U20 international team jerseys, symbolizing a long-term commitment to the future of Irish basketball.
Future is Green represents a significant investment in the next generation of Irish talent, helping ensure that every young player with the ambition and ability to represent Ireland has the opportunity to do so.
2K FOUNDATIONS
2K Foundations exists to invest in the communities and people that inspire us with their talent and enthusiasm. In turn, we take action to motivate the next generation and provide them with the resources to excel - both in their community and in the classroom. We elevate communities across the globe by providing resources and experiences built on motivation, collaboration, determination, and teamwork. Through community center renovations, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, mentorship access, and sports programming, we strive to enhance the lives of children in need.
BASKETBALL IRELAND-
Basketball Ireland is the National Governing Body for Basketball in Ireland. We field men’s and women’s international basketball teams from U16 upwards and compete in FIBA European Championships and FIBA EuroBasket and FIBA World Cup at senior level. The Ireland men’s team won the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in 2021. Basketball Ireland also administers and facilitates basketball at schools and club level, as well as a number of programmes in encourage the growth of basketball in Ireland and make it inclusive to all.
