In Los Angeles, the seven finalists stand on stage after advancing from the NBA All-Star Pitch Semifinals.
Within the backdrop of NBA All-Star 2026, the NBA Foundation continues its mission of driving economic opportunity for youth, entrepreneurs and HBCU students by providing access to funding, mentorship and career pathways.
Founded in 2020, the NBA Foundation is the league’s first-ever charitable foundation dedicated to creating economic opportunity in NBA markets. To date, the Foundation has awarded $141 million in funding, partnered with 307 nonprofit organizations and served more than 837,000 youth.
Since 2022, the NBA and NBA Foundation have invested nearly $500,000 in local entrepreneurs in NBA All-Star Cities. This year, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Clippers, the NBA Foundation is hosting the 2026 NBA All-Star Pitch Competition. The competition is supported by Amplitude, American Express, Westbound Equity and Connect Ventures.
Serving as the competition’s Legacy Supporter, Comcast NBCUniversal underscored the importance of expanding access for early-stage founders. “At Comcast NBCUniversal, we believe that big ideas can come from anywhere, and when people have the right tools and opportunities, they can transform communities,” said Gwyneth Gaul, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy.
“As a company focused on helping teams build products people love, we are showing exactly what is possible when vision meets opportunity,” said Tanya Littlefield, VP of Growth Marketing, Amplitude
Under the theme “Game Changers: Creators Building the Future,” this year’s All-Star Pitch program spotlights Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs who are driving social and economic mobility across their communities.
“All-Star is more than just a celebration of basketball. It’s truly a celebration of community,” said Lauren Sills, Head of Operations at the NBA Foundation and creator of the All-Star Pitch Competition. “Creating opportunities for young people, strengthening local neighborhoods, and investing in the creators and bold business leaders who power our communities — that’s what this is about.”
As they move toward the Finals, entrepreneurs will take part in an accelerator program led by Melissa Bradley of BEA Venture Fund, who also served as a judge during the semifinals. The program includes dedicated mentorship, pitch development, and hands-on coaching.
The NBA All-Star Pitch Semifinals Competition was held Dec. 2 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Event Recap
Ten early-stage startups from across Southern California pitched their businesses in front of a panel of investors, venture capitalists and business leaders. Each entrepreneur had three minutes to pitch, followed by questions from a panel of industry-leading judges.
Each finalist stood before a panel of industry-leading judges.
Judges:
Michael Blank, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Connect Ventures
Melissa Bradley, General Partner, BEA Venture Fund
Sean Mendy, Founding Partner, Westbound Equity
April Siler, CEO, Good Eat’n
Founders competing in the NBA All-Star Pitch Semifinals competition represented a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, financial services and sports technology.
Entrepreneurs were scored on the following categories:
Mission, Problem, and Value Proposition, Market & Competition, Traction & Business Model and Impact.
Only seven finalists advanced to the NBA Foundation’s All-Star Pitch Competition Finals, which will be held on February 12th at the Kia Forum.
“Being on this platform with the NBA Foundation is phenomenal. I’ve already made amazing connections with the NBA Foundation itself and the partners, so I am excited for the Finals!”, Hamilton Perkins, HPC.
Full List Of Finalists:
Mayowa Arogundade, Equal IQ
Manju Dawkins, Thimble
Anwar Douglas, Imperium Care
Yosh Miller, Hadley Investment Co.
Hamilton Perkins, Hamilton Perkins Collection
Kristina Wilson, UR Prospects
Candace Walker, Generation Connect
All-Star Pitch Finals Preview
The NBA All-Star 2026 Pitch Competition Finals will take place Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Kia Forum, serving as a major lead-up to NBA All-Star Weekend. The seven finalists will compete for a total of $200,000 in cash prizes in front of a projected audience of 1,500 attendees. Secure your free tickets today!
