Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Players Donate $10,000 NIL Money to Fight Cancer, Inspire with Message: “The Greatest Victories Are the Ones That Bring Hope to Others”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 4, 2025 — In a stirring demonstration of compassion and leadership off the court, several players from the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team have donated $10,000 of their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings to support cancer patients and research. More than just a financial contribution, the act has resonated deeply across the Volunteer State and the college basketball community, sending a powerful message: “The greatest victories are the ones that bring hope to others.”
The donation was made to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society in a joint initiative led by Volunteers star forward Jalen Wright and point guard Marcus Lee. The two athletes, along with several teammates, pooled a portion of their NIL money — revenue earned from endorsements, sponsorships, and media appearances — to support children and families affected by cancer.
At a press conference held on campus Friday afternoon, Wright, a junior and team captain, described the inspiration behind the gesture. “We’re blessed to play the game we love and to benefit from NIL deals, but we know our platform means more than just basketball. We met kids fighting battles way tougher than any game we’ve played. This is for them. This is for their families,” he said, visibly emotional.
The donation came with a surprise visit to the children’s hospital, where players delivered care packages, shared personal messages of encouragement, and spent time with patients undergoing treatment. One young patient, 9-year-old Ellie, who has been battling leukemia for over a year, proudly showed off her autographed Tennessee jersey, signed by the entire team. “They made me feel strong,” she said, smiling through her mask.
The symbolic message accompanying the donation — “The greatest victories are the ones that bring hope to others” — was printed on custom bracelets handed out to patients and worn by players during warm-ups before Saturday’s game. The initiative has since gained traction on social media, with thousands sharing photos and messages using the hashtag #HopeIsTheVictory.
Head coach Rick Barnes praised his players for their selfless act, calling it “a reflection of the character we strive to build in this program.”
“What these young men have done goes far beyond basketball,” Barnes said. “They’ve turned the spotlight away from themselves and used it to illuminate a cause that touches countless lives. That’s leadership. That’s heart. That’s Tennessee basketball.”
NIL money, which has become a game-changer in college athletics since regulations changed in 2021, has often sparked debate over how student-athletes should manage newfound earnings. The Volunteers’ initiative offers a powerful counter-narrative — showing that when given the opportunity, student-athletes can use their success to inspire and uplift others.
University Chancellor Donde Plowman also commended the team’s efforts in a statement released Saturday: “Our student-athletes have once again shown that they are not only champions on the court, but champions in life. We are proud of the values they represent.”
The $10,000 donation will go toward providing treatment support, family housing assistance, and emotional therapy services for children undergoing cancer care. According to the hospital, the funds will also help launch a new art therapy program aimed at improving emotional well-being during long hospital stays.
Beyond the monetary gift, the true impact of the Volunteers’ actions lies in the message they’ve delivered — that strength is found in service, and victory in giving. In the words of Marcus Lee, “We want every kid out there to know they’re not alone. If we can bring a smile, spark some hope, that’s bigger than any win on the scoreboard.”
As March Madness glory fades into the offseason, the Tennessee Volunteers have made it clear that their most meaningful victories don’t come from buzzer-beaters or highlight reels — but from compassion,
courage, and community.