Sabonis Makes Transformative Gift to Gonzaga Men’s Basketball
7/9/2026 4:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Facility will now be The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center
SPOKANE, Wash. – Former Gonzaga men's basketball standout and NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis, together with his wife Shashana, has made a transformative and significant gift commitment to Gonzaga Athletics in support of its men's basketball program.
In recognition of their generosity and enduring connection to the University, the men's and women's basketball strength and conditioning facility within the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement will be named The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center.
This gift reflects the Sabonis family's deep commitment to Gonzaga Basketball and establishes a lasting legacy supporting the development, performance, and well-being of future generations of basketball student-athletes. Sabonis's donation represents the largest single gift to Gonzaga Athletics from a former Men's Basketball student-athlete.
As one of the most accomplished alumni in program history, Domantas Sabonis will also continue to support Gonzaga Men's Basketball in an ongoing leadership and advisory capacity, sharing his experience and perspective with future generations of Zags.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the important role Gonzaga has played in my life and the opportunities the University has given me," said Domantas Sabonis. "My time here helped shape who I am, not only as a basketball player but as a person. My family and I are honored to make this gift because we believe in Gonzaga's commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court each and every day. We hope that every student who walks into this facility is reminded that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams. Gonzaga will always be home to us, so we're proud to help invest in the next generation of Bulldogs."
Sabonis starred for the Bulldogs from 2014–16 under head coach Mark Few, helping lead Gonzaga to an Elite Eight appearance and establishing himself as one of the most dominant big men in program history. His relentless motor, elite footwork, and double-double production embodied Gonzaga's culture of toughness and development.
Following his sophomore season, Sabonis declared for the NBA Draft and has since become a multi-time NBA All-Star, currently starring for the Sacramento Kings while continuing to represent Gonzaga on the global stage.
"Domantas earned the respect of everyone in our program through his relentless work ethic, toughness, and unwavering commitment to his teammates," Gonzaga Head Coach Mark Few said. "He truly embodies what it means to be a Zag. Those same qualities are evident in the way he and Shashana have chosen to give back to Gonzaga. This is a significant gift from a remarkable family, and we're deeply grateful for their generosity. Their investment will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and help ensure future generations of Bulldogs have every opportunity to grow and succeed."
Located within the Steve Hertz Basketball Practice Facility, the newly named center serves as the training foundation for Bulldog basketball student-athletes. The space supports year-round development, injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization.
The naming of the center ensures that future Zags will prepare for competition in a facility that bears the name of one of the program's most respected alumni, serving as a daily reminder of what dedication and development can achieve.
"Domantas and Shashana embody what it means to be lifelong Bulldogs," Gonzaga Athletic Director Chris Standiford said. "Their generosity is an investment in the future of Gonzaga Basketball and in every student-athlete who will train, grow, and chase their dreams in this facility. Their gift is a lasting reminder that the Gonzaga experience creates connections that endure for a lifetime, and we're deeply grateful for their leadership and belief in our mission."
In recognition of their generosity and enduring connection to the University, the men's and women's basketball strength and conditioning facility within the Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement will be named The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center.
This gift reflects the Sabonis family's deep commitment to Gonzaga Basketball and establishes a lasting legacy supporting the development, performance, and well-being of future generations of basketball student-athletes. Sabonis's donation represents the largest single gift to Gonzaga Athletics from a former Men's Basketball student-athlete.
As one of the most accomplished alumni in program history, Domantas Sabonis will also continue to support Gonzaga Men's Basketball in an ongoing leadership and advisory capacity, sharing his experience and perspective with future generations of Zags.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the important role Gonzaga has played in my life and the opportunities the University has given me," said Domantas Sabonis. "My time here helped shape who I am, not only as a basketball player but as a person. My family and I are honored to make this gift because we believe in Gonzaga's commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court each and every day. We hope that every student who walks into this facility is reminded that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams. Gonzaga will always be home to us, so we're proud to help invest in the next generation of Bulldogs."
Sabonis starred for the Bulldogs from 2014–16 under head coach Mark Few, helping lead Gonzaga to an Elite Eight appearance and establishing himself as one of the most dominant big men in program history. His relentless motor, elite footwork, and double-double production embodied Gonzaga's culture of toughness and development.
Following his sophomore season, Sabonis declared for the NBA Draft and has since become a multi-time NBA All-Star, currently starring for the Sacramento Kings while continuing to represent Gonzaga on the global stage.
"Domantas earned the respect of everyone in our program through his relentless work ethic, toughness, and unwavering commitment to his teammates," Gonzaga Head Coach Mark Few said. "He truly embodies what it means to be a Zag. Those same qualities are evident in the way he and Shashana have chosen to give back to Gonzaga. This is a significant gift from a remarkable family, and we're deeply grateful for their generosity. Their investment will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes and help ensure future generations of Bulldogs have every opportunity to grow and succeed."
Located within the Steve Hertz Basketball Practice Facility, the newly named center serves as the training foundation for Bulldog basketball student-athletes. The space supports year-round development, injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization.
The naming of the center ensures that future Zags will prepare for competition in a facility that bears the name of one of the program's most respected alumni, serving as a daily reminder of what dedication and development can achieve.
"Domantas and Shashana embody what it means to be lifelong Bulldogs," Gonzaga Athletic Director Chris Standiford said. "Their generosity is an investment in the future of Gonzaga Basketball and in every student-athlete who will train, grow, and chase their dreams in this facility. Their gift is a lasting reminder that the Gonzaga experience creates connections that endure for a lifetime, and we're deeply grateful for their leadership and belief in our mission."
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