Luka Dončić Foundation, PCA, the Jr. NBA, and Jr. WNBA Launch Total Hoops Approach to Support Youth Basketball

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is proud to join forces with the Luka Dončić Foundation, the Jr. NBA, and Jr. WNBA to advance a shared mission: creating positive, inclusive, and empowering basketball experiences for young athletes around the world.

The collaboration will be part of the Luka Dončić Foundation’s Total Hoops Approach, which was developed to strengthen the support system around youth players — ensuring they have the tools to grow not only as athletes but as confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals. Together, the partnership aims to foster environments where young players feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to develop both on and off the court.

“Basketball has had such a positive impact on my life, and I want to make sure young kids everywhere have the same opportunity to fall in love with the game in a healthy and supportive environment,” said Luka Dončić, NBA All-Star and founder of the Luka Dončić Foundation.

As part of this partnership, Positive Coaching Alliance will integrate its proven training and research-based resources into the Total Hoops Approach — equipping coaches with the tools and strategies they need to create a development-focused, player-first environment for every athlete. Through this work, PCA is helping ensure that coaches are prepared to lead with empathy, foster teamwork, and prioritize the overall well-being of young players.

“These collaborations with the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and PCA are a major step forward in our mission to ensure that youth sports remain a joyful and enriching experience for kids everywhere,” said Lara Beth Seager, CEO of the Luka Dončić Foundation. “It’s important to us that our work be backed by research, rigorously tested and reflective of the realities of basketball education. The Total Hoops Approach was the blueprint. Now, we are excited to see how it translates onto the court, and both the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and PCA are incredibly well-positioned to pilot its implementation with kids and coaches.”

PCA’s involvement underscores its long-standing mission to transform the culture of youth sports, offering coaches, parents, and athletes the resources and support they need to help kids succeed both on the court and in life.

“Coaches are a vital part of creating a positive youth sports experience, and this partnership gives coaches the tools to make a lasting impact,” said Jason Sacks, CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance. “By combining the Total Hoops Approach with PCA’s proven training, we are ensuring the focus of youth basketball is one that prioritizes fun, growth and belonging. We’re proud to partner with the Luka Dončić Foundation to reimagine youth basketball and create sports experiences that build character, inspire confidence and create joy.”

Through this collaboration, PCA and its partners are working to build a foundation for young athletes that goes far beyond the scoreboard — one that focuses on well-being, personal growth, and lifelong enjoyment of the game.