BREAKING NEWS: Indiana Fever Women’s Basketball Players Donate $7.9 Million to Homeless Shelter Initiative — 150 Housing Units and 300 Beds Funded From Bonuses and Sponsorships. “I saw firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child, and I knew that if I had the means, I would give back in a meaningful way,” Aliyah Boston said in a press release. “No one deserves to sleep on the sidewalk………..
Indianapolis, IN – July 5, 2025 — In a groundbreaking act of generosity and community leadership, players from the Indiana Fever women’s basketball team have donated a staggering $7.9 million to a new homeless shelter initiative. The donation, drawn from player bonuses and sponsorship earnings, will fund the construction of 150 housing units and provide 300 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
At the heart of this historic effort is rising WNBA star Aliyah Boston, who spoke candidly about her personal connection to the cause.
> “I saw firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child, and I knew that if I had the means, I would give back in a meaningful way,” Boston said in a press release. “No one deserves to sleep on the sidewalk. This is about dignity, community, and using our platform to do something that lasts beyond the basketball court.”
The $7.9 million donation is one of the largest philanthropic contributions ever made by a professional women’s sports team in the U.S., signaling a bold shift in how athletes—particularly women—are leveraging their influence and income for social good.
The funds will go toward building a state-of-the-art transitional housing facility named “The Beacon House.” Located in downtown Indianapolis, the center will include private family units, communal kitchens, mental health counseling rooms, job readiness training programs, and onsite childcare. Construction is set to begin later this summer, with the first residents expected to move in by spring 2026.
Team captain Kelsey Mitchell emphasized that the donation reflects a shared commitment among Fever players.
> “We talked a lot in the locker room about what kind of legacy we want to leave—not just as athletes, but as people,” Mitchell said. “This isn’t charity for us. It’s responsibility.”
The initiative was made possible in part by the Fever’s historic 2025 season, which brought a surge in national attention, endorsement deals, and playoff bonuses. Several players chose to pool portions of those earnings, and corporate sponsors—including Nike, Gatorade, and a local Indiana real estate developer—matched a portion of the funds raised.
The move has garnered praise from city officials, with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett calling the donation “transformative” and “a model for athlete-led civic engagement.”
Social media erupted with support shortly after the news broke. Fans and fellow athletes praised the players’ leadership, with one viral post reading, “This is what heroes look like.”
Aliyah Boston, who has become a powerful voice in both basketball and social justice circles, closed the press release with a message of hope:
> “We’re not just here to win games. We’re here to win back futures.”
The Indiana Fever’s contribution arrives during a time of rising housing insecurity across the country, offering a rare beacon of hope—and a challenge to other professional sports teams to follow suit.
