Phoenix, AZ — May 25, 2025
In an unprecedented show of gratitude and generosity, former Phoenix Suns head coach and longtime NBA point guard Monty Williams has made headlines with a historic $10 million donation to the Phoenix Suns basketball program. The gift, the largest personal donation in the franchise’s history, was announced Saturday morning during a press conference at Footprint Center, stunning the basketball world and earning widespread praise from athletes, fans, and sports executives alike.
Standing beside a commemorative display that read “For Those Who Paved the Way,” Williams spoke with visible emotion as he explained the inspiration behind the donation. Rather than focusing on personal accolades, Williams said the contribution was intended as a tribute to the people who shaped his basketball journey — the youth coaches, high school mentors, college teammates, trainers, and overlooked role players whose impact, though often invisible, made his NBA dream possible.
“This isn’t about me,” Williams said. “It’s about the people who invested in me when there was nothing to gain. It’s about the ones who never made it to the league, but whose sacrifices, encouragement, and unheralded hard work gave me the platform to get there. This is for the coaches who stayed late, the teammates who passed up shots to help me shine, and the players who taught me through competition and friendship.”
The $10 million endowment will be used to launch the Legacy Initiative, a new program within the Suns organization that aims to support player development at the grassroots level, enhance mental wellness resources, and provide mentorship and educational opportunities for young athletes across Arizona. The initiative will also include annual scholarships and honors for under-recognized figures in basketball—such as assistant coaches, bench players, and community volunteers—whose contributions often go unrecognized.
Phoenix Suns team president James Jones called the donation “transformational” and said it would have ripple effects beyond the franchise. “Monty Williams has always been about people, about integrity, about uplifting others. Today, he’s taken that legacy to another level. This initiative will change lives and elevate the game far beyond the professional ranks,” Jones said.
Williams, 53, coached the Phoenix Suns from 2019 to 2023, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2021 and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2022. Prior to his coaching career, he played nine seasons in the NBA, including stints with the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.
His time with the Suns, however, holds a special place in his heart. “Phoenix gave me more than a coaching job—it gave me purpose,” Williams said. “The city, the fans, the players—they became family. This gift is my way of saying thank you and paying it forward.”
The announcement comes at a time when philanthropy in professional sports is evolving, with more athletes and coaches using their platforms to address systemic inequities and community needs. Experts say Williams’ contribution could serve as a blueprint for how sports figures can meaningfully impact their communities by acknowledging those often left behind.
“What Monty has done is remarkable not just for the dollar amount, but for the spirit behind it,” said Dr. Anitra Jackson, a sports sociologist at Arizona State University. “He’s shining a light on the unseen scaffolding that supports every athlete’s rise—something we rarely acknowledge in a world obsessed with superstars.”
Williams has long been known for his humility, strong faith, and commitment to mentorship. Former players describe him as more than a coach, citing his influence on their lives both on and off the court. Devin Booker, the Suns’ franchise player, said the donation is classic Monty.
“Coach always told us that success is a team sport,” Booker said. “He lived that truth every day, and now he’s putting it into action in the most generous way possible.”
The Suns plan to honor Williams later this year with a Legacy Night at the Footprint Center, where beneficiaries of the initiative will be introduced and the first class of community honorees will be inducted.
As the press conference concluded, Williams looked out at the crowd and smiled. “Basketball gave me a life I never dreamed of,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to give back—not just to the game, but to the people who made that dream possible.”
