Kyrie Irving and ANTA have expanded their grassroots basketball initiative, sponsoring 14 youth and amateur programs across the US. The partnerships, including with Paul Quinn College and Legion Prep in Dallas, aim to foster community engagement and support the next generation of athletes. Credit: Paul Quinn College via Facebook

Overview:

Kyrie Irving and ANTA have announced a major expansion of their grassroots basketball initiative, providing full footwear and apparel sponsorships for 14 youth and amateur programs across New Jersey, Texas, and California. The partnerships aim to represent connection, identity, and a shared purpose among the next generation of basketball players. Two of the 14 programs chosen as flagship partners, Paul Quinn College and Legion Prep, are based in Dallas, where Irving has prioritized community-centered work since arriving in North Texas. The initiative represents a cultural investment in the city's basketball identity and a belief in its talent.

Kyrie Irving may still be working his way back from injury, but his impact across Dallas continues to grow in ways that extend far beyond the court. This week, ANTA and Irving announced a major expansion of their grassroots basketball initiative, unveiling full ANTA x KAI footwear and apparel sponsorships for 14 youth and amateur programs across New Jersey, Texas, and California.

Though national in scope, the heart of the initiative beats strongest in Dallas.

ANTA says the partnerships are built to “represent connection, identity and a shared purpose among the next generation of hoopers.” For Irving, that purpose aligns with the community-centered work he’s prioritized since arriving in North Texas.

Dallas at the Center

Two of the 14 programs chosen as flagship partners—Paul Quinn College and Legion Prep—represent essential layers of Dallas’ basketball culture, from the HBCU experience to next-generation player development.

As Dallas continues to grow its basketball identity on a national stage, this initiative represents a cultural investment in the city’s talent and a commitment to access and identity. Credit: Paul Quinn College via Facebook

Paul Quinn College: A Cultural Anchor

Paul Quinn College—the only HBCU in Dallas—stands at the intersection of education, innovation, and community impact. Its campus in South Dallas and Oak Cliff makes it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape, especially for Black student-athletes and aspiring leaders.

PQC expressed pride and gratitude in being selected as part of the initiative:

“This isn’t your ordinary sneaker partnership. Having Kyrie Irving invest in our community means so much more than new gear. Kyrie and ANTA will be outfitting our men’s and women’s basketball programs with shoes and apparel for the next three years, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. His support reflects a belief in our student-athletes, our mission, and the power of community. We appreciate Kyrie for pouring into Paul Quinn College and helping elevate the experience of our athletes on and off the court.”

Legion Prep: The City’s Emerging Talent Base

Legion Prep has quickly become one of Dallas’ most respected training hubs for young athletes seeking to compete at higher levels. Its structure, discipline, and developmental emphasis align closely with the values at the heart of the ANTA x KAI grassroots movement.

The academy celebrated the significance of the partnership as well:

“Legion Prep is excited to strengthen this partnership, marking a special milestone as the first high school in Texas to represent the Kyrie brand and ANTA Sport. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting athletic growth and education. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative, one that aligns with our mission to provide students with excellent resources and opportunities.”

Legion prep academy

“This partnership gives our athletes access to top-tier gear and footwear—resources that play a major role in shaping young players and helping them stay competitive. It also keeps us at the forefront of athletic development in Texas.

As we begin this journey, we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our players and our community. We’re proud to be part of something that promotes dedication, teamwork, and a passion for the game. Legion Prep is grateful to be included in this collaboration, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Irving’s Continued Presence in Dallas

Even while rehabbing, Irving has stayed connected to the Mavericks and present on the sideline throughout the season. His ongoing engagement with the franchise and the city has helped shape the spirit behind the ANTA initiative.

He summed up the purpose of the project with a clear message:

“I’m thankful to grow ANTA’s grassroots movement here in Dallas with both schools. When we invest our energy into the community, we plant seeds that will grow into a legacy for the future of men’s and women’s amateur sports.”

dallas mavericks’ Kyrie irving

A Cultural Investment for a Basketball City

Dallas is in the midst of a basketball renaissance: from prep gyms to college courts to a Mavericks roster infused with emerging talent. The ANTA x KAI partnerships with Paul Quinn College and Legion Prep arrive at a pivotal moment as the city continues to grow its basketball identity on a national stage.

The new ANTA x KAI shoes for Paul Quinn College feature the school’s iconic purple and gold colors. Credit: Paul Quinn College via Facebook

But beyond the new gear and branding, the initiative represents something deeper: a belief in the city’s talent, a commitment to access and identity, and an investment in dreaming bigger.

A Legacy Taking Shape

Irving’s on-court return will come in due time. But through the ANTA partnership, he’s already helping forge a new era for grassroots basketball in Dallas: one built on investment, purpose, and a deep connection to the community he now calls home.