Key Takeaways
- $24 million youth athletic facility under construction in northeast Las Vegas with completion targeted for 2026
- Taahirah O’Neal joined The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation board to oversee development of the complex
- Partnership with local government and sports franchises designed to benefit Boys & Girls Club
- Facility will serve hundreds of K-12 students with access to basketball, football, combat sports, and additional programs
- Project launched in June 2025, extending Shaquille O’Neal’s decades-long connection to Boys & Girls Club
Foundation Leadership and Project Oversight
Taahirah O’Neal, the eldest daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, has joined the board of The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and assumed oversight of a $24 million youth athletic facility project in Las Vegas.
The magna cum laude graduate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Politics and African American studies. She previously worked in marketing for brands including Pepsi and Big Chicken before transitioning to foundation work.
Taahirah has been involved with the Shaquille O’Neal Youth Development Complex since its inception in June 2025.
Facility Details and Timeline
The youth athletic facility is currently under construction in the northeast Las Vegas valley. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Once operational, the complex will provide athletic programming for hundreds of children from grades K-12 and beyond. Sports offerings include basketball, football, combat sports, and additional activities.
The facility represents one of the larger youth sports infrastructure investments in the Las Vegas area in recent years.
Partnership Structure and Community Impact
The project operates as a joint venture between The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, local government entities, and several sports franchises. The primary beneficiary is the Boys & Girls Club organization.
This partnership model combines private foundation resources with public sector support and professional sports involvement to expand youth athletic access in the region.
The collaboration aims to increase participation opportunities for young athletes in an area experiencing significant population growth.
Continuing a Personal Connection
Shaquille O’Neal developed his basketball skills as a youth at Boys & Girls Club facilities, creating a personal connection to the organization that has shaped his philanthropic focus throughout his post-playing career.
Taahirah O’Neal addressed the project’s significance in a statement: “I’m so proud to help carry my father’s legacy forward while also building my own path in service.”
The complex represents both a continuation of the family’s commitment to youth development and Taahirah’s expanding role in sports-focused philanthropy.
via: bazinga
Photo Credit: Prince Williams
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
