In a heartfelt and unprecedented gesture of generosity, Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has officially donated his entire $1.8 million season-end bonus and endorsement contract earnings to multiple charities and organizations dedicated to combating homelessness and supporting underprivileged families across Arizona and the Southwest region.
The announcement, made via a team press conference and shared widely on social media, has been met with praise from fans, players, league officials, and philanthropic leaders.
“Basketball gives us a platform. It’s our duty to use it to create something better than just wins on the court,” Budenholzer said. “Phoenix has embraced me from day one, and I want to give that love back in a meaningful way.”
Where the Donation Is Going
Budenholzer’s $1.8 million donation will be split between several impactful nonprofits, including:
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UMOM New Day Centers, the largest shelter for homeless families in Arizona
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Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)
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A New Leaf, a nonprofit focused on housing, shelter, and crisis services
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Feeding Phoenix Initiative, providing meals to underserved neighborhoods
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A new initiative titled “Hoops for Homes”, founded by Budenholzer himself, aimed at renovating community centers and building transitional housing units for youth.
Praise from the Suns Organization and the NBA
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia praised the coach’s action as “the kind of leadership that transforms a city.”
“Mike isn’t just coaching a team, he’s leading a movement of compassion and responsibility,” Ishbia said. “We’re beyond proud to stand behind this incredible act of service.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also commented:
“Coach Budenholzer’s donation exemplifies the values of the NBA. It’s a powerful reminder that our impact stretches well beyond the court.”
Players and Community React
Several Suns players shared emotional reactions, calling their coach’s donation “a challenge to all of us to do more.”
Devin Booker posted on Instagram:
“Coach is the real MVP for this. Leading with his heart, not just his clipboard. Proud to play for him.”
The Phoenix community, long plagued by rising homelessness and housing shortages, expressed overwhelming gratitude, with some calling it “a turning point” for local efforts.
Budenholzer’s Longstanding Quiet Commitment
Though this is his most public and sizable donation to date, Budenholzer has a long-standing reputation for giving back. Quietly over the years, he has donated to scholarship funds, youth programs, and mental health services—often without fanfare.
This latest move, however, places him at the forefront of philanthropic leadership within the sports world.
More Than a Coach
At the end of the press conference, Budenholzer left reporters with a simple but powerful message:
“I’ve been blessed to coach at the highest level of the game I love. But real success is helping people who need it most. That’s the championship I’m chasing now.”
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