All-Star Pitch Competition
The 2026 All-Star Pitch Competition provided entrepreneurs with funding for their ventures and the opportunity to gain valuable input from influential business leaders across the NBA Family. This year’s theme—Game Changers: Creators Building the Future—highlighted LA based entrepreneurs driving social and economic mobility.
Empowering entrepreneurs
Investing in local economies
The NBA and the NBA Foundation are passionately dedicated to empowering the next generation of cutting-edge entrepreneurs. Amidst the backdrop of the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA Foundation seeks to arm aspiring innovators with essential tools, resources, and financial support to entrepreneurs in service of increasing access to funding opportunities.
Since 2022, the NBA Foundation has provided nearly $500,000 to emerging entrepreneurs in NBA markets.
Get Involved
Ready to take your startup to the next level?
The Pitch Competition is your chance to showcase your business, connect with industry leaders, and compete for resources to help your company grow. We’re looking for ambitious, early-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to make an impact. Applications for 2027 will open in the Fall.
The Future of Innovation
Pitch Competition Winners
Discover the inspiring stories of our Pitch Competition winners throughout the years.
2026
Hamilton Perkins is the founder of HPC, a company dedicated to crafting unique and beautiful bags, but also about making a positive impact on the planet and communities.
2025
Jodi Anderson is the founder of Rézme. The startup helps formerly incarcerated people find job opportunities.
2024
Katara McCarty is the founder of Exhale, a mental health app that is an emotional well-being app designed for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color.
2023
Jenna White is the owner of Empire Body Waxing, a membership-based waxing salon that does more than just waxing by supporting causes that they find essential.
2022
HBCU entrepreneurs Daa’iyah Fogle and Malcolm Lee Earn $10K prize at NBA Foundation’s first-ever Pitch Competition with Black Girl Ventures.
I felt like a superstar. The NBA put contestants in commercials, and that made the people I know proud. The whole process was encouraging for entrepreneurs, and the support I received from the NBA staff, fellow contestants, and sponsors will last long after the competition. The ongoing work of the NBA Foundation and American Express is an example of the change they’re creating in the world.
LeAndrew Robison
Community All-Star Award Winner