NBA Transforms Technical Fouls into Philanthropy
NBA fines now fund charitable causes. Through the NBPA's "Fined and Philanthropic" program, penalties like the $50,000 fine imposed on Luka Dončić become grants for humanitarian causes.
Dec 18, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Luka Dončić was fined $50,000 for an inappropriate gesture during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks last Sunday. Unhappy with what he considered unfavorable officiating, the Mavericks star made a gesture suggesting that referees were receiving money for their decisions. The NBA announced this penalty Tuesday for « unprofessional gesture. »
But this fine won’t end up in the league’s coffers. Thanks to the National Basketball Players’ Association (NBPA)’s « Fined and Philanthropic » program, Dončić’s $50,000 will be transformed into charitable grants.
A Program That Transforms Penalties into Good Deeds
Since 2015, the NBPA has offered a matching grant system equivalent to fines for charitable causes. The program took on a new dimension with the arrival of Erika Swilley, executive director of the union’s foundation, who created the « Fined and Philanthropic » campaign.
« I want them to realize they have a unique platform to really give back and help others, » Swilley explains to NBC News. « How do we take that money and feed a family for a year? How do we impact a classroom for an entire school year? »
When an NBA player is penalized, the money is split between the league and the union. Active players can receive up to $25,000 in matching grants for their causes, while retirees can receive up to $15,000.
The NBPA Foundation’s Matching Grants program is transforming player fines into funding for charitable organizations nationwide. @SBJ highlights the work and leadership of Executive Director Erika Swilley. Read more at the link below.
🔗: https://t.co/xASPsfmRnK
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 28, 2026
In December, four Washington Wizards players collaborated with the Greater Washington Urban League to provide $75,000 in rent assistance to 12 families, including investment accounts unlocked after a financial education course.
Collin Sexton of the Chicago Bulls regularly uses this program for his foundations in Georgia. « It’s like ‘You know what? It’s going to a good cause, and it’s going somewhere it’s really useful,' » the guard tells NBC News.
« I had a player tell me it hurts a little less when they receive that fine, » Swilley reveals. An original way to transform on-court frustrations into positive actions for the community.
Will Dawkins received the Beacon of Grace Award from the Greater Washington Urban League for his leadership with the #Wizards and in the D.C. community. I asked him what that honor meant to him:
« That moment was special just because my family got to be there with me and some… pic.twitter.com/bu3vlhF4AV
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) April 18, 2025
Luka Doncic
Follow
Los Angeles Lakers
Follow
New York Knicks
Follow
Washington Wizards
Follow
Chicago Bulls
Follow
NBA
Follow
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
Comments (0)