FOX Report: Historical moves as Former Basketball Legend Greg Kelser Donates entire $12.2 Million to for New Basketball Court Project, Says Michigan State Pride Lives Within Him Wherever He Goes, Committed to Supporting the Future of Michigan State Spartans basketball with…Full Details….
FOX Report: Historic Move as Former Basketball Legend Greg Kelser Donates Entire $12.2 Million to New Basketball Court Project — Says “Michigan State Pride Lives Within Me Wherever I Go”
In a monumental gesture that will forever resonate within the Michigan State basketball community, former Spartans star and NBA veteran Greg Kelser has donated his entire personal fortune of $12.2 million toward a transformative new basketball court and facility development project at Michigan State University. The move, described by university officials as one of the most generous individual contributions in MSU athletics history, underscores Kelser’s lifelong devotion to the program that helped shape his career—and his life.
FOX Sports first reported the exclusive, noting that Kelser’s gift will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor basketball complex aimed at cultivating the next generation of Spartans. The facility will feature multiple full-size courts, training spaces, a mentorship center, and a dedicated exhibit honoring the legacy of Michigan State basketball legends.
Kelser, who starred alongside Magic Johnson on the 1979 NCAA Championship team—the first in MSU history—spoke emotionally about his motivation behind the contribution. “Michigan State changed my life,” he said in a televised interview. “It gave me an opportunity, a platform, and a family. That pride lives within me no matter where I go. This is my way of giving back to the place that gave me everything.”
The new facility will be named “The Kelser Court Complex,” and construction is slated to begin in late 2025. It will serve not only the Spartans men’s and women’s basketball programs but also host youth clinics, community leagues, and leadership workshops for underserved local students.
MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller called Kelser’s donation “a game-changing investment in the future of Michigan State basketball.” He added, “Greg has always represented the very best of what it means to be a Spartan—on and off the court. His gift ensures that legacy will continue to grow for decades.”
Kelser’s life after basketball has been just as impactful as his time on the court. A longtime broadcaster and community advocate, he has championed educational programs and youth mentorship initiatives throughout Michigan. Yet, despite his professional success, Kelser remained closely tied to the university and often credited MSU head coach Jud Heathcote and his time in East Lansing for instilling the values that guide his life.
The Kelser Court Complex will also include a “Legends Hall,” an interactive space celebrating the storied history of Spartan basketball and honoring figures like Tom Izzo, Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves, and Kelser himself. It will serve as an educational tool and inspiration for all who walk through its doors.
“This isn’t about me,” Kelser said. “It’s about the future—the kids coming up, the young athletes who dream big. I want them to have the best resources, the best mentors, and the same sense of pride I’ve carried my whole life. Spartan basketball is a brotherhood, and it’s my honor to invest in that legacy.”
With his $12.2 million gift, Greg Kelser has cemented not just his place in Spartan history, but also a lasting impact on its future—one built on loyalty, generosity, and unshakable pride.
