ESPN REPORT: Vinnie Johnson and David Wesley announce multi-million dollar endowment for Baylor Bears basketball; NBA Finals MVP and Hall of Fame Bears legends give back to their alma mater, creating lasting opportunities for future student-athletes
In a landmark moment for Baylor University athletics, NBA legends and Baylor Bears icons Vinnie Johnson and David Wesley have jointly announced a transformative multi-million dollar endowment aimed at propelling the Baylor Bears basketball program to new heights. The announcement, made Thursday during a nationally televised segment on ESPN, solidifies the duo’s commitment to fostering academic and athletic excellence at their alma mater while providing sustainable opportunities for future generations of student-athletes.
The endowment—estimated at $15 million—will directly support scholarships, state-of-the-art training facilities, mental health resources, and academic enrichment programs for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. This unprecedented gift is one of the largest single donations in Baylor Athletics history, a testament to Johnson and Wesley’s lasting connection to the university where their respective careers first took flight.
Vinnie Johnson, a two-time NBA champion and 1990 NBA Finals MVP with the Detroit Pistons, reflected on the pivotal role Baylor played in shaping his life. “Baylor gave me the foundation not just to succeed on the court, but to become a leader off of it,” Johnson said. “David and I wanted to make sure that today’s athletes—and tomorrow’s—have even greater resources to chase their dreams while receiving a first-class education.”
David Wesley, a 14-year NBA veteran and one of Baylor’s most prolific scorers, echoed Johnson’s sentiments. “This is about legacy,” Wesley remarked. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and it’s our duty to lift up the next generation. Vinnie and I want Baylor basketball to be synonymous not just with winning, but with producing well-rounded leaders in every facet of life.”
The endowment will establish the Johnson-Wesley Leadership Institute, a new initiative housed within Baylor Athletics that will offer mentorship programs, career readiness workshops, and community engagement projects for student-athletes. In addition, a portion of the funds will be earmarked for international recruitment efforts, expanding Baylor’s reach in scouting and developing top-tier talent globally.
Baylor University President Linda A. Livingstone praised the donation as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing the dual impact on athletics and academics. “Vinnie and David embody the very best of Baylor’s mission—servant leadership, excellence, and unwavering commitment to others,” Livingstone stated. “Their generosity ensures that Baylor basketball remains a powerhouse, while also investing in the holistic development of our student-athletes.”
The Baylor Bears basketball program, which captured its first NCAA men’s national championship in 2021 and has consistently been among the nation’s elite, stands to benefit immensely from the endowment. Head coaches Scott Drew (men’s basketball) and Nicki Collen (women’s basketball) expressed their excitement, noting the direct positive impact on recruiting, player development, and long-term competitiveness.
“This changes everything,” Drew remarked. “Our ability to support players on and off the court just took a monumental step forward.”
As the NCAA landscape continues to evolve, the Johnson-Wesley endowment places Baylor in an enviable position among collegiate programs. More importantly, it reflects a full-circle moment for two Hall of Fame legends giving back to the community that shaped them.
The enduring legacy of Vinnie Johnson and David Wesley at Baylor is no longer just about records or accolades—it is now firmly about empowering the future.