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LeBron James continues to expand his impact beyond the basketball court. The NBA superstar recently added golf to his growing list of passions. His connection to Philadelphia also gives the story another interesting angle. James joined the Philadelphia 76ers this summer after signing a two-year contract. The four-time NBA champion brings enormous star power to Philadelphia. However, his latest golf project will not take place in Philadelphia. Instead, James announced a new youth-focused tournament in Akron, Ohio.
The event will benefit students connected to his I Promise program. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will debut in 2027. Firestone Country Club will host the two-day event on July 6-7. The tournament will use Firestone’s South Course. That distinction matters because reports about James and Philadelphia have created some confusion. James does have strong new ties to the city. Still, the charity golf tournament announced Tuesday will take place in his hometown.
James Continues His Golf Journey
James has developed a strong passion for golf in recent years. He recently launched his own YouTube Golf channel. His first major golf trip included a trip to Scotland with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates. Now, James wants to use golf to create opportunities for young people. His foundation will partner with the PGA Tour for the new tournament. The event will connect students from the I Promise program with aspiring professional golfers. Those golfers will come through the Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program. The initiative also connects with the Advocates Professional Golf Association. The APGA focuses on creating opportunities for minority golfers. That focus gives the tournament a purpose beyond competition. James wants young people to see golf as more than a recreational sport.
Golf Can Open New Doors
James has spoken about golf’s ability to create relationships and opportunities. His foundation hopes the tournament can introduce more children to those possibilities. The I Promise program supports students and families in the Akron area. The program provides resources that help students succeed in school and beyond. Meanwhile, the new tournament will offer mentorship opportunities. Students can interact with golfers who continue working toward professional careers. That connection could prove especially valuable for young athletes. Many children never see golf as a possible career path. James hopes this event can change that perspective. Furthermore, the partnership gives the PGA Tour another way to connect with young fans. Firestone also has a long history with professional golf. The PGA Tour recently ended its 72-year run at Firestone. The new event will bring professional golf activity back to the historic Akron venue.
Philadelphia Still Plays an Important Role
Although the tournament will not take place in Philadelphia, James now has an important connection to the city. The 76ers signed James on July 26. The team announced the agreement one day later. Philadelphia now becomes the next chapter of James’ remarkable NBA career. James enters Philadelphia as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He also owns four MVP awards and four NBA championships. His arrival could create more opportunities for charitable work in the region. Philadelphia already has a strong golf community and several major charity events. For example, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia continues to use golf to support local youth. Its 2026 events have raised significant funds for youth programs. Still, James’ newly announced event remains separate from those Philadelphia tournaments.
A Bigger Vision Than Golf
James continues to build his legacy away from basketball. His foundation has already made education and youth development major priorities. Now, golf gives him another platform to expand that mission. The new tournament will combine competition, mentorship and community involvement. It also creates a bridge between young students and aspiring professionals. That combination could make the event especially meaningful. James’ move to Philadelphia adds another layer to his story. Fans will certainly watch his basketball career closely. However, his work away from the court deserves attention too. For now, the biggest clarification remains simple. James is not bringing this charity tournament to Philadelphia.
Instead, he is bringing it home to Akron. The event will give his I Promise students an opportunity to discover golf. It will also support golfers trying to reach the professional level. Most importantly, James continues to use his platform to create opportunities. That mission has remained central to his foundation. Golf simply gives him another way to carry it forward.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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