Amaia Jackson Donates Half Of His Salary to an Operation to Build a Legacy as the First Ever to…
In a bold and inspiring move that has captured the attention of both fans and philanthropists, Amaia Jackson has announced the donation of half of his annual salary to a groundbreaking operation designed to build a legacy unlike any before. At just 27 years old, Jackson is setting out to become the first ever professional athlete to fund, co-develop, and implement a fully accessible global youth sports network aimed at leveling the playing field for underprivileged talent worldwide.
Jackson, a rising star in the international basketball scene, has long been vocal about the importance of giving back to the communities that shaped him. Born in a modest neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, his journey to stardom was anything but easy. With limited access to training facilities, proper equipment, and mentorship in his early years, Jackson understands better than most how vital opportunity and infrastructure are in unlocking young potential.
Now, with a multimillion-dollar contract under his belt and a growing platform, Jackson is taking unprecedented action. He announced that 50% of his current salary will go directly into a new initiative called Project Legacy, a program that aims to build accessible sports hubs in underserved regions across the globe—from rural towns in Africa and South America to inner-city neighborhoods in North America and Asia.
“This isn’t just a donation. This is an investment in the future,” Jackson said during a press conference held in Los Angeles. “I want to be the first ever athlete to leave a legacy not just through records and championships, but by building a global structure that supports the next generation long after I’m gone.”
Project Legacy will focus on more than just facilities. The operation includes training programs, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and mental health resources—all designed to nurture well-rounded young athletes. Jackson has already partnered with several global organizations, including UNICEF and local NGOs, to ensure that the resources go exactly where they’re needed most.
The announcement has sparked a wave of admiration across the sports world, with fellow athletes, commentators, and fans praising Jackson for putting purpose over profit. “He’s doing what we all talk about, but rarely follow through on,” said sports analyst Keira Simmons. “This is more than generosity—it’s leadership.”
What makes Jackson’s decision even more striking is that he’s in the prime of his career. While many athletes wait until retirement to take on such ambitious philanthropic projects, Jackson is diving in headfirst while still balancing the demands of professional sports. It’s a risk, but one that he says he’s more than ready for.
“This isn’t about being a role model. It’s about being real,” Jackson stated. “If I have the means now, why wait?”
With the first three Project Legacy centers scheduled to break ground by the end of the year—in Nairobi, Detroit, and Medellín—Jackson’s dream is rapidly becoming reality. And if his efforts continue at this pace, he may very well become the first athlete remembered not just for what he did on the court, but for how he changed the game off.