For decades, the San Antonio Spurs have been one of the NBA’s most successful franchises on the court, with five NBA titles since 1999 and one of the league’s most electric young players in 7’4” superstar Victor Wembanyama. They’ve also long used that success to help strengthen the community around them. Now they are taking the next step in that journey: helping their fans build AI literacy and skills.
That’s the goal of the Spurs’ new partnership with OpenAI, which will bring free OpenAI Academy events to San Antonio focused on expanding AI literacy through hands-on instruction, practical support, and real-world guidance. As Spurs Chief Impact and Community Officer Patricia Mejia put it at a recent OpenAI Forum at South by Southwest, “Basketball is our platform, but we aim for success on and off the court.”
The Forum was moderated by Natalie Cone, who grew up in San Antonio and has a 15-year-old son who attended Spurs basketball camps. Cone told the audience that OpenAI’s relationship with the Spurs has been steadily growing since they became the first NBA team to sign an enterprise agreement with OpenAI. Over time, that relationship evolved into a broader conversation about how the Spurs’ deep roots in San Antonio could help bring AI learning directly into the community.
The partnership will begin with a very specific audience: parents and coaches involved in youth sports. That first step reflects both organizations’ view that trusted adults are often the best place to start when new technologies begin shaping everyday life. The initial OpenAI Academy events are designed to give those parents and coaches practical experience with AI tools, a clearer understanding of how they can be used responsibly, and more confidence in helping young people navigate them.
Future OpenAI Academy events held as part of the new partnership will likely include educators and nonprofit community leaders, extending the initiative from the youth sports world into schools and community organizations across San Antonio. The goal is not simply to introduce people to AI, but to make sure more of the city’s trusted institutions and local leaders feel prepared to use it.
Mejia, who has spent 25 years in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, said the AI literacy efforts reflect the Spurs’ broader commitment to their fans and the people of San Antonio. The point, she added, was not just to introduce people to AI, but to make it feel relevant to everyday life.
“I hope families will see AI as a practical tool they can incorporate into various aspects of their lives,” she said. “Whether it’s organizing personal tasks, helping coaches prepare, or supporting teachers in class, I want attendees to view these AI tools as integral to their experiences.”
By Yochi Dreazen
