BREAKING NEWS: Haliburton Electrifies Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Signs $36.4M Powerade Deal, Donates $16.4M to Orphanage…………
Indianapolis, IN — July 5, 2025
In an unforgettable moment that fused athletic greatness with heartfelt generosity, Tyrese Haliburton, the rising superstar point guard of the Indiana Pacers, sent shockwaves through the sports world Friday evening. Standing before a roaring crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Haliburton announced a major endorsement deal with Powerade worth a staggering $36.4 million—and then, in an emotional twist that left fans teary-eyed and inspired, revealed he is donating $16.4 million of that amount to support orphaned and underserved children.
The news broke just before tip-off during a special halftime ceremony honoring Haliburton’s contributions both on and off the court. The 24-year-old NBA All-Star, who has quickly become the face of the Pacers franchise, took center stage not just as an athlete, but as a humanitarian.
“I’ve been blessed beyond anything I could’ve imagined,” Haliburton told the crowd. “This city, this team, and this game have given me so much. It’s time to give back in a way that changes lives—not just games.”
The $16.4 million donation will be used to fund a network of orphanages and youth development programs across Indiana and beyond, under the newly formed “Future Stars Foundation.” According to Haliburton’s team, the initiative will focus on education, mental health services, sports mentorship, and housing support for children without stable families.
The endorsement deal with Powerade, one of the largest ever inked by an NBA player under 25, cements Haliburton’s status as one of the league’s most marketable young stars. Powerade executives praised Haliburton’s character as much as his on-court ability.
“Tyrese isn’t just a playmaker—he’s a game-changer in every sense,” said Nicole Watson, Powerade’s VP of Athlete Partnerships. “We’re honored to align with someone who represents excellence, leadership, and compassion.”
Haliburton, who averaged 20.1 points and 10.4 assists last season, is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most selfless players in the game today—a reputation now echoed off the hardwood. His donation stunned even veteran sports analysts, many calling it one of the most generous gestures in recent memory by an active pro athlete.
Social media erupted with praise. Fellow NBA players, celebrities, and fans across the country applauded the move. LeBron James tweeted, “Major respect to Tyrese. Legacy isn’t just about stats—it’s about impact.”
Back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the atmosphere was electric. Fans rose for a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes, chanting Haliburton’s name with thunderous applause. Children from local youth shelters, brought in as special guests, were invited onto the court during the ceremony—some with tears in their eyes as they embraced their new hero.
Tyrese Haliburton may have signed a multimillion-dollar endorsement today, but what he gave away was worth far more. In an era often defined by self-interest, he reminded the world that greatness is best measured by the lives we lift.
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