**GOOD NEWS: Memphis Grizzlies Rising Star Ja Morant Donates $220 Million to Memphis Women’s Basketball Program in Honor of His Mother**
In a groundbreaking and emotional gesture that has shocked and inspired the sports world, Memphis Grizzlies superstar **Ja Morant** has announced a **$220 million donation** to the **University of Memphis women’s basketball program**, honoring **his mother, Jamie Morant**, who once dreamed of playing professional basketball herself. This donation is not only historic in scale but deeply personal in nature, cementing Morant’s legacy far beyond the basketball court.
### A Gesture of Love and Legacy
Morant, 25, announced the donation during an emotional press conference at FedExForum in Memphis, flanked by his parents, coaches, teammates, and members of the Memphis women’s basketball team.
“My mother gave up everything so I could chase my dream,” Morant said, pausing to wipe away tears. “This is about honoring her, and making sure girls who have the same passion and love for the game she had get every opportunity she didn’t.”
Jamie Morant was a talented basketball player in her youth but had to put her aspirations aside due to financial hardship and a lack of opportunities. According to Ja, it was his mother who first put a ball in his hands and pushed him to chase his dream relentlessly.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without her. This is just my way of saying thank you,” he said.
### The Largest Donation to a Women’s Program in NCAA History
The **$220 million gift** is believed to be the **largest single donation ever made to a women’s college sports program** in the United States. University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave called the contribution “historic, transformative, and visionary.”
“This gift will change everything,” Hardgrave said. “We are going to build the finest facilities, hire top-level coaching staff, invest in academic and wellness resources, and offer full-ride scholarships to the most deserving young women from around the country.”
The university announced immediate plans for the **Ja & Jamie Morant Center for Women’s Athletics**, a state-of-the-art complex that will include training and medical facilities, student housing, academic centers, and a renovated basketball arena. In addition, the school will create the **Jamie Morant Scholarship Fund**, supporting underprivileged girls from Memphis and surrounding communities.
### Empowering the Next Generation
For Morant, the donation isn’t just about honoring his mother — it’s about using his platform to **create real, lasting change**.
“I want little girls in Memphis to see this and know: your dreams matter. Your talent matters. You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to settle. I got you,” he said during his speech.
Over the past decade, conversations about gender equality in sports have grown louder. From pay disparities to lack of exposure and facilities, women athletes have faced systemic challenges at nearly every level. Morant’s donation directly addresses these issues by leveling the playing field in one of the NCAA’s most underserved areas — women’s basketball.
“This is what allyship looks like,” said Angel Reese, a rising WNBA star, who praised Morant’s move on social media. “Salute to a real one. This is how we grow the game.”
### A History of Giving Back
This isn’t the first time Ja Morant has used his influence and resources to uplift his community. Since being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant has become not only the face of the franchise but also one of Memphis’ most beloved citizens.
In 2022, he partnered with BodyArmor and Coca-Cola to **refurbish basketball courts** across the city, providing safe spaces for youth to play and build community. He has also led numerous charitable initiatives, from providing school supplies and laptops to funding holiday food drives.
“Ja doesn’t just show up for photo ops — he’s there with his hands in it, building, giving, supporting,” said local community leader Jasmine Taylor. “This city loves him, and he loves it back.”
### Impact Beyond the Court
Ja Morant’s donation comes at a pivotal time in his career. After facing injuries and controversy in recent years, many fans and critics questioned his direction. This bold philanthropic act sends a clear message: **Morant is thinking bigger — about his purpose, his legacy, and his role as a leader.**
“This isn’t just about basketball,” said Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. “This is about leadership, maturity, and vision. What Ja’s doing here is unprecedented. He’s not just building a team — he’s building a future.”
Experts believe Morant’s donation could spark a movement, inspiring other athletes to invest more deeply in women’s sports.
“Ja just set the bar incredibly high,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke. “This is a call to action for every male athlete who says they care about women’s sports. Now’s the time to put your money where your heart is.”
### Community Reactions
The reaction in Memphis has been overwhelmingly emotional. Social media was flooded with messages of gratitude, pride, and inspiration. A spontaneous celebration erupted outside the university’s athletic center, where dozens of fans gathered holding signs that read “Thank You Ja” and “Built by Love.”
Sophia Carter, a sophomore guard for the Tigers, fought back tears as she spoke to reporters. “He just changed our lives. This means the world to us — not just the money, but knowing someone like him believes in us.”
Local businesses have announced “Ja Morant Appreciation Week,” and the city of Memphis is reportedly considering renaming a portion of South Third Street to **Morant Way**.
### What’s Next?
With construction of the Ja & Jamie Morant Center expected to begin later this year and recruiting efforts already underway, the University of Memphis women’s basketball program is poised to become a national powerhouse.
Morant, meanwhile, says he’s not stopping here.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m committed to Memphis, and I’m committed to making sure my mom’s story — and the stories of girls like her — are never forgotten.”
### Final Thoughts
Ja Morant’s $220 million donation is more than a headline — it’s a moment of inspiration, a challenge to the status quo, and a love letter to the woman who raised him. It’s a bold statement that says **empowerment begins with action** and that real change starts when someone dares to dream big — not just for themselves, but for others.
As Morant left the stage, holding his mother’s hand, he smiled and said simply:
“This is for you, Mom.”