FOX Report: Former Basketball Legend Greg Kelser Donates Entire $12.2M for New Court Project, Says Michigan State Pride Lives Within Him, Making Historic Move to Support the Future of Spartans Basketball
May 2, 2025 | East Lansing, MI — FOX Sports Newsroom
In an unprecedented gesture of school pride and commitment to the future of college basketball, former Michigan State basketball legend Greg Kelser has donated his entire personal fortune—totaling $12.2 million—to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art basketball court and training facility for his alma mater. The gift marks one of the largest single donations ever made by a former NCAA athlete to a college sports program.
Kelser, who played a pivotal role alongside Magic Johnson in leading Michigan State to its first NCAA championship in 1979, told FOX Sports in an exclusive interview that his passion for the Spartans never wavered. “Michigan State gave me everything,” Kelser said. “It shaped me as a player, as a man, and as a leader. This isn’t just a gift—this is a tribute to the place that still lives within me every day.”
The newly announced “Kelser Spartan Court Project” will include a modern basketball arena and a high-tech athletic development complex featuring advanced training equipment, analytics technology, and recovery facilities. The complex will be located adjacent to the Breslin Center and will serve both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz praised Kelser’s philanthropy as “transformative.” “Greg’s generosity is historic,” Guskiewicz said. “He’s not only investing in bricks and mortar, but in the dreams of future Spartan athletes. His belief in this program is both humbling and inspiring.”
Kelser, 68, has long been a fixture in the MSU community, serving as a broadcaster and ambassador for Spartan athletics since his retirement from the NBA. But according to those close to him, the idea of leaving a lasting physical legacy at MSU has been on his mind for years.
“He never wanted a statue,” said close friend and fellow MSU alum Jay Vincent. “He always talked about building something that young players could benefit from, something that helps them grow the way he did.”
Construction on the facility is expected to begin in early fall, with completion projected by late 2026. The university has indicated that in honor of Kelser’s contribution, the main court within the complex will be named “Legends Court” with a mural commemorating the 1979 championship team at its center.
MSU Head Coach Tom Izzo called the announcement “a game changer.” “Greg has always been a leader, and once again, he’s setting the bar,” Izzo said. “This facility will allow us to attract and develop top-tier talent, and it sends a powerful message about the tradition and future of Spartan basketball.”
As Kelser concluded his FOX interview, he fought back emotion. “This isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about what Michigan State means to the world. I just hope this helps us keep building champions—on and off the court.”
With this historic gift, Kelser has ensured his name will forever be etched into Spartan lore—not just for what he did with a ball in his hands, but for what he gave back after the
final buzzer sounded.