Las Vegas Youth Score Big: City Approves Shaquille O’Neal’s Youth Facility Project

The youth of Las Vegas is about to score big thanks to an NBA legend!

Shaquille O’Neal recently received approval to build a $24 million youth facility in Las Vegas, aimed at providing local children with educational, athletic, and mentorship opportunities. The state-of-the-art center will feature basketball courts, gyms, and community spaces designed to support youth development.

O’Neal, known for his philanthropy and love for the Las Vegas community, expressed his commitment to giving back and inspiring the next generation. The project is expected to break ground soon, bringing new resources and opportunities to the city of Las Vegas.

Known for his philanthropy efforts and helping the younger generation, it's no surprise that O'Neal, 52, is helping to create a better future for the youth of Las Vegas.

Earlier this week, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved plans for a new youth facility near the intersection of Lamb and Lake Mead boulevards.

According to county records, the facility will be called the Shaquille O'Neal Youth Development Complex.

The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation shared the exciting news on Instagram.

"The Clark County Commissioners have officially approved the development of The Shaquille O’Neal Youth Development Complex!" the caption of a carousel of photos begins.

"This state-of-the-art facility will be home to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and the first-ever Communities In Schools Alumni Center, ensuring vital resources for education, leadership, career development, and wellness."

The foundation concluded their caption, "We can’t wait to see the lasting impact this project will have on the Las Vegas community! A huge thank you to the Clark County Commissioners and everyone making this vision a reality! Stay tuned for updates as we build a brighter future together."

It's been reported that the foundation is looking to break ground for the new facility in late March or early April.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Lisa Morris Hibbler, executive director of The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, said the complex will be around 34,000 square feet and will include a mixed-martial arts and boxing center, a gym, and many other exciting features for the youth of the community.

The new facility will be home to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and an alumni center for student-support group, Communities in Schools of Nevada.

In early July of 2024, Clark County commissioners approved a vote to donate nearly 5 acres of vacant land on Kell Lane to the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation to build a brand-new Boys & Girls Club. Shortly after, O'Neal talked about the new multi-million facility planned for the Northeast Valley.

"It's just the right thing to do. There's really no explanation," he said. "It's what I was taught by the great Dr. Lucille O'Neal and anytime I can make her proud, I'm doing a great thing."

He also shared his love for the Boys & Girls Club, adding, "When I join a community, I just try to do the right thing. For me, it's not about publicity, it's not about likes. This is what I was taught."

The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation was established in 2019 with the mission to create "pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential," according to the foundation's website.

The main focus for the Vegas based foundation is to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in School and to support other charitable endeavors and initiatives.

Each year, the foundation hosts many events and projects. Shaq-a-Claus and Shaq-to-School are two popular events held annually. The foundation has also provided sports courts for various Boys & Girls Clubs over the years.