By: Jennifer Portee
5/21/2026
In a moment that bridges culture, community, and basketball history, Nancy Lieberman has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Ice Cube Impact Award an honor that recognizes influence far beyond the hardwood.
The announcement, made jointly by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and entertainment icon and BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube, places Lieberman among a growing class of changemakers who have used basketball as a tool for transformation. A Hall of Famer since 1996 and a trailblazer in every sense, Lieberman’s career has never been confined to titles or accolades. Instead, it has been defined by access, opportunity, and advocacy.
“I’m deeply honored to receive an award tied to someone who has dedicated his life to uplifting others,” Lieberman shared. “This recognition reflects years of work in communities helping kids see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves.”
That work is both expansive and deeply personal. Through Nancy Lieberman Charities, she has spent decades investing in underserved communities, creating pathways through sport and education. One of her most visible initiatives, Dream Courts, has transformed neglected spaces into safe, vibrant courts where young people can gather, compete, and grow. Since launching the program in 2010, Lieberman has helped reshape neighborhoods while reinforcing the idea that environment can influence ambition.
Her impact is especially rooted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she has partnered with local organizations to deliver camps, mentorship, and life-skills programming for at-risk youth. The focus has never been just basketball it’s been about building confidence, discipline, and vision.
At the same time, Lieberman has consistently pushed boundaries within the sport itself. Long before conversations around equity became mainstream, she was advocating for women to be seen, heard, and hired in leadership roles across basketball. Her presence as one of the only women to coach in men’s professional basketball within the BIG3 stands as a milestone.
Ice Cube acknowledged that dual impact when reflecting on her legacy. “Nancy has always represented more than the game. From coaching to community work, she’s shown what leadership really looks like. She’s been doing this work quietly for years, and it’s time that impact is recognized.”
Established in 2024, the Ice Cube Impact Award celebrates individuals who leverage basketball as a force for social change. Ice Cube himself was the inaugural recipient, followed by Jalen Rose in 2025 for his contributions to education in Detroit. The award now lives permanently within the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where each honoree’s story becomes part of the sport’s evolving narrative.
For Hall of Fame President and CEO John L. Doleva, Lieberman’s selection was clear. “She represents the very purpose of this award using the game as a vehicle to create real opportunity. Her influence spans generations, and her work continues to shape what basketball can mean off the court.”
Lieberman will be formally honored during the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala on August 14 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, as part of the Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Weekend.
For a career built on breaking barriers and building futures, the recognition feels less like a milestone and more like a continuation of purpose.