There’s a rhythm to a basketball court that extends beyond the bounce of a ball or the squeak of sneakers. It’s in the cracks of asphalt, the faded paint of a key, the echoes that linger when a kid takes a shot too late into the evening. NBA 2K has long captured that through its games, but with 2K Foundations, the company has started to translate it into real life. 

“Over the past seven years, we’ve invested in projects to help motivate and inspire the next generation,” says David Ismailer, President of 2K. “We’ve renovated community centers, built recording studios, launched education and mentorship initiatives and refurbished more than 55 basketball courts across six continents!” 

The old saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. 2K is the embodiment of that. For Ronnie 2K, it’s a no-brainer. “We’ve had the great privilege of building this platform that is globally recognized, and what comes with that, always, is a responsibility to do good. It’s been a massive tentpole of our entire organization to give back,” he says. “We’re only as good as people’s love for basketball, and we can help foster that. The next generation of basketball players might come from one of these courts—actually, I’m certain one of them will.”

Beyond refurbishing courts, 2K’s Foundation program provides STEM education and mentorship as well as educational programs. Ronnie is a Make-A-Wish ambassador and has granted more than 90 experiences for kids.

What 2K Foundations understands is this: basketball is never just about the highlights. The game exists in community. Kids who never had a reason to step outside now have a place to gather. Families can watch, play and simply be. And in the process, 2K shows it’s more than a video game. As the kids say, 2K is actually outside. They participate in the communities they serve, bridging pixels and pavement. In a world where digital excellence often overshadows the tangible, 2K Foundations proves that the two can coexist.

“Since we started 2K Foundations in 2018,” Ismailer says, “our goal has been to strengthen global communities by creating opportunities for kids to play, grow and thrive.”