Hoop Dreams Realized: Sophie Cunningham & Sydney Colson Open 2K Court in Indianapolis to Launch 2025 All-Star Weekend
As the nation’s basketball heartbeat pulses with excitement, Indianapolis finds itself at the center of the sports universe. But, a day before professional stars dazzle crowds at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, something even more special unfolds on the city’s east side—a project rooted in community, teamwork, and the love of the game. WNBA standouts Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson teamed up with 2K Foundations and local partners to unveil a state-of-the-art outdoor basketball court, sending a powerful message: Hoops is for everyone, and dreams are forged at the neighborhood level.
Beyond the Bright Lights
All-Star Weekend is more than just a showcase of on-court talent; it’s an opportunity for players to leave a lasting legacy. For Cunningham, of the Phoenix Mercury, and Colson, veteran leader of the Las Vegas Aces (and known for her incredible charisma off the court), giving back means using their platform to inspire the next generation. “The real stars are the young people who put in the work every day, rain or shine,” Cunningham said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We want them to know—basketball can take you anywhere, starting right here.”
The event was punctuated by families, fans, and future hoopers flooding the newly finished court, each dribbling dreams beneath their sneakers. The energy was palpable. Colson, outshouting the music and the cheers, kept things lighthearted: “No pressure, but maybe the next All-Star is out here today!” Laughter rang out as she tossed an underhand free throw—brick—and challenged a local kid to a rematch.
The 2K Foundations Connection
The project was realized with the help of 2K Foundations, the philanthropic arm of the iconic sports video game developer. The organization specializes in community uplift—renovating play spaces, supporting youth programming, and using the cultural power of basketball to build bridges. In Indianapolis, the vision was clear: create not just a court, but a safe haven and a living monument to the city’s rich hoops history.
The new court, painted in a vibrant palette reflective of both the WNBA and Pacers’ blue-and-gold flair, is loaded with features. High-quality hoops and branded backboards glisten in the Indiana sun. Benches and shaded seating invite parents to watch, and WiFi-enabled digital scoreboards hint at a future where kids’ pickup games are streamed around the block (or even the globe). Drawing inspiration from the city’s skyline, muralists collaborated with local youth to splash the sideline walls with depictions of basketball icons—Tamika Catchings, Reggie Miller, and, now, Colson and Cunningham themselves.
Heart for the Next Generation
While the physical space is a gift, both Cunningham and Colson emphasize that showing up is just as important as giving. They ran clinic stations and shot free throws with groups of eager kids, imparting both skills and wisdom. Through hands-on drills, they reminded players—regardless of gender, age, or background—that the court is a place for everyone to belong.
Sydney Colson was especially candid about the challenges: “Growing up, not every gym or team was open to girls like me. I want every young hooper in Indy to know—when you step on THIS court, you’re home. You’re seen.”
Cunningham echoed that sentiment, urging girls to own their confidence: “Be loud. Take your shot. Whether people doubt you or root for you, you keep going. This court is where you find your strength and your sisters.”
For many in attendance, the words of encouragement landed with deeply personal meaning. “Seeing these women here, giving us their time—it’s something I’ll never forget,” said thirteen-year-old Alexis, clutching a newly signed basketball and beaming after draining a three-pointer under Cunningham’s watchful eye.
All-Star Weekend’s Deeper Impact
All-Star Weekends bring global attention and economic boost to the host city, but events like this one leave a different, longer-lasting imprint. It builds up neighborhoods from within. With every laugh, layup, and handshake, the ripple spreads: kids challenge themselves, parents find hope, and old-timers smile at the renewed energy in the place they grew up shooting.
“Courts like these light the spark,” said local basketball coach and community leader Marcus “Coach Mac” McIntyre, who helped organize the event. “Too many youth don’t have a safe place to play. What Sophie, Sydney, and 2K have done matters more than they might ever know.”
By nightfall, the scene is pure magic: pickup games stretch past sunset, adults linger to reminisce, and a sense of possibility hovers in the warm summer air.
The Joy of Play, the Power of Representation
Cunningham and Colson aren’t just high-level pros; they are endlessly relatable role models. Off the court, both are known for their sense of humor and approachability—chopped up on TikTok challenges, pranking teammates, openly celebrating their authentic selves.
Their presence, especially for girls and underrepresented youth, cannot be overstated. “If you can see it, you can be it,” remarked one mother, watching her daughter copy Colson’s unorthodox shooting form. “These women show kids—especially our girls—that greatness looks like them.”
Looking Ahead
As All-Star festivities unfold downtown, and the dazzling hardwood of Gainbridge Fieldhouse takes center stage, the soft soundtrack of sneakers squeaking on a brand new outdoor court on Indy’s east side is equally important. It’s the continuous, unsung beat of basketball’s true purpose: connection, celebration, and community.
Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson have helped plant a seed—literally, in the middle of a resurging city. Decades from now, when a future star talks about where it all started, the 2K Court in Indianapolis will be part of that origin story.
As Sophie summed up, grinning in the fading sunlight, “This is why we play. This is why we give back.”
