Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes ownership stake in TD Coliseum

NBA superstar says Hamilton shaped who he is and he plans to offer events and programming at the arena through his charitable foundation. It is also presenting a new music production program for kids through the Hamilton Music Collective.

NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become part of the ownership group at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum.

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has made an undisclosed investment in his hometown’s newly renovated downtown arena it was announced Monday.

“Gilgeous-Alexander’s investment in TD Coliseum is a testament to his love and deep connection to Hamilton, and his commitment to being an integral part of the community’s economic development,” reads a press release issued Monday from arena owner and operator Oak View Group.

“His investment reflects a desire to help position Hamilton on the world stage and bring world-class entertainment and sports to the city.”

But Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t about to become a passive investor. He plans to give back to his hometown through his charitable organization, the SGA Foundation, with community events and programming at TD Coliseum.

“Becoming part of the ownership group at TD Coliseum is really personal for me,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “Growing up in Hamilton shaped who I am, so having the opportunity to help build something special in my hometown means everything,” he said.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I want this venue to be a place artists are excited to perform, where fans can experience world-class shows right here in the city, where some of my friends in music can perform, and where we’re truly investing back into the local economy. Through this space and the work of my charitable organization, the SGA Foundation, this is about creating opportunity, giving back to the community, and putting Hamilton on the map in a bigger way.”

An atrium located along York Boulevard will be named Ares Atrium, a tribute to Gilgeous-Alexander’s son. A basketball court at the arena will also be named SGA Court.

“Shai’s investment in TD Coliseum is another exciting moment for this project and the city of Hamilton,” said Chris Granger, CEO of Oak View Group. “This investment reflects a mutual commitment to Hamilton’s development and the long-term impact of this endeavour. We are excited to welcome Shai and his family to the TD Coliseum team."

The 27-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning Most Valuable Player in the NBA and led his team last year to their first NBA championship, earning Finals MVP. In that historic season, he also earned the NBA scoring title.

He was named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year, Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year, and recipient of the Northern Star Award, recognizing him as Canada’s top athlete.

Hamilton has bestowed him with a key to the city and named a street in his honour last year.

“Shai’s belief in what we’re building in Hamilton reflects the momentum behind TD Coliseum,” said Nick DeLuco,senior vice president and general manager of TD Coliseum. “His investment reinforces our shared commitment to community, culture and positioning Hamilton as a world-class destination for sport and entertainment.”

After more than two years and $300 million in renovations, TD Coliseum reopened in late November 2025 with a sold-out, grand opening performance by Paul McCartney. Since then, Andrea Bocelli, Jonas Brothers, mgk, comedian Matt Rife and a rousing PWHL Takeover Tour game in January have filled the building. Upcoming shows include Disney on Ice, Journey, Cardi B, Twice, Ne-Yo and Akon and the 55^th annual JUNO Awards in March.

SGA’s magic has also touched the Hamilton Music Collective, which provides a range of programs to children who might not otherwise have access to playing and producing music.

In partnership with the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, HMC has launched the SGA/HMC Musical Futures Production Program. It is presented by the SGA Foundation and funded through the 2K Foundations SGA Music Program.

The after-school initiative will provide free, high-quality music technology and production training to children and youth from the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. Over the next two years, more than 250 young people will have the opportunity to explore music creation, technology, and performance, guided by HMC’s team of producers, film composers, recording artists, and DJs.

The program provides youth with practical, industry-relevant skills in music technology and production. Participants will learn beat making and digital music creation using the industry standard software Ableton. They will develop collaborative production and recording skills while creating original music, and gain foundational experience in DJing and live performance, including track mixing and event delivery. The program also includes Sound for Games and Film, a storytelling-centred course where students compose music, design sound effects, and create simple scores for short films, animations, and games, connecting creative expression with real-world applications in media and technology.

READ ALL ABOUT THE HAMILTON MUSIC COLLECTIVE IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF HAMILTON CITY MAGAZINE. OUT SOON!

The program has begun with 48 students in its first semester, and will expand to 90 students in the second semester, and operate at full capacity with 130 students annually over the two-year program period.

“We are excited to work with 2K Foundations, the SGA Foundation and our long-time partner, the Boys and Girls Club to expand access to cutting-edge music education for young people in our community,” said Astrid Hepner, CEO/founder of HMC.

“This program reflects our shared commitment to equity, creativity, and providing meaningful opportunities for youth to explore their potential.”

In January, Gilgeous-Alexander returned to his hometown and his home basketball court for his annual basketball camp at the Les Chater Family YMCA. He ran drills, posed for pictures and brought along the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy. The event was co-hosted by 2K Foundations, Converse and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2K is a gaming company based in California, with titles including NBA 2K, PGA Tour 2K and WWE 2K. Gilgeous-Alexander is the cover athlete for NBA 2K26. Its charitable arm, 2K Foundations, supports community projects around the world in sports, music, and STEM education, often partnering with professional athletes in their hometowns.