Stephen Curry receives Muhammad Ali Award: “I’m proud”

Stephen Curry has earned yet another accolade in an already legendary career. On Tuesday evening, the Golden State Warriors superstar received the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the 2026 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards, edging fellow finalists Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills, and former NFL wide receiver Adam Thielen.

It was honestly surreal. The Ali family truly understands what Muhammad stood for and what he dedicated his life to, both inside and outside the ring, especially when it comes to social change. My wife Ayesha and I are incredibly proud of what our foundation has been able to accomplish

Stephen Curry

While Curry is universally recognized as one of the greatest players in NBA history, his impact away from the court has become just as meaningful – particularly in the Oakland and San Francisco communities. After spending his entire NBA career with the Warriors, the two-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion has invested significant time and resources into giving back to the region that embraced him.

This is a huge encouragement to keep doing the work we’re doing. We’ve only been at it for seven years, and the impact we’ve had in Oakland has been real. This award belongs to our team, our donors, our partners, the Oakland Unified School District, and most importantly the kids we’re helping, because it’s all for them. It’s been a really special week to celebrate

Stephen Curry

Curry’s connection to Oakland runs deep. In 2019, shortly before the Warriors moved from Oracle Arena in Oakland to Chase Center in San Francisco, Stephen and Ayesha Curry founded the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.

You all have everything you need to make a real impact. I encourage you to find your Oakland

Stephen Curry

The foundation’s mission is to support children’s well-being by providing access to nutritious meals, quality reading resources, and opportunities to play. To fulfill that mission, the Curry family directly funds numerous programs dedicated to the youngest members of the community.

Over the years, Stephen Curry has committed more than $20 million to literacy and education initiatives while also helping renovate community spaces to create safe environments where children can enjoy healthy and happy childhoods.

We want to care for the whole child, for their entire school experience, and transform the educational journey of generations of children in Oakland through these three pillars. Every day, around 35,000 children in the Oakland school district need to eat, learn, and play

Stephen Curry

Fully aware of the opportunities his success has given him, Curry has chosen to use them to create greater opportunities for children growing up in more challenging circumstances. His goal is to reduce inequalities in access to education, sports, and personal development by providing resources that many young people otherwise would never have.

For example, Trayce Jackson-Davis played Santa Claus during one of our events. Even taking one small step to help others, I’m sure it gave him a better understanding of what it truly means to make an impact. And today there are certainly a lot of young NBA players who are very active in that regard

Stephen Curry

Curry’s place among the NBA’s all-time greats is no longer up for debate, regardless of whatever the future may hold. Still, the work he continues to do away from the spotlight adds another important chapter to a legacy that extends far beyond basketball.

Meanwhile, Curry is also reportedly working behind the scenes to recruit LeBron James to the Warriors, a move that would create one of the most legendary duos in NBA history.