Bam Adebayo Wins 2026 NBA Social Justice Champion Award

Bam Adebayo is the 2026 NBA Social Justice Champion, earning the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy for his outstanding efforts in pursuing social justice. He was chosen from a group of finalists including Harrison Barnes, Jaylen Brown, Tobias Harris, and Larry Nance Jr.

What is the NBA Social Justice Champion award?

The annual award honors a current NBA player for advancing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically disadvantaged. Bam Adebayo will receive a $100,000 donation from the NBA for his non-profit organization, the Bam, Books & Brotherhood Foundation.

How was Bam Adebayo selected for the award?

The finalists were determined from a pool of nominees submitted by NBA teams to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion selection committee. This year’s committee is comprised of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, and other social justice leaders. Bam Adebayo led 18 social justice-focused initiatives during the 2025-26 season, investing more than $563,000 into programs designed to expand access and opportunity for underserved youth and families. He provided mattresses, uniforms, and school supplies for students at The SEED School of Miami.

What impact has Bam Adebayo made in his community?

Bam Adebayo has made a lasting impact through his commitment to educational equity, food security, and youth development in underserved communities across South Florida and North Carolina. He funded transportation for more than 19,000 students to attend the Miami Book Fair and hosted experiences designed to expose students to new opportunities and mentorship. Bam Adebayo also addressed food insecurity through large-scale holiday meal distributions and hosted an annual toy drive serving more than 2,000 children. He donated a renovated Miami HEAT-themed basketball court at Camillus House Homeless Shelter to create a permanent space for recreation and wellness for residents in the community. The Miami HEAT congratulated Bam Adebayo on his award, saying "Making an impact far beyond the game" on May 22, 2026.