Hibbett, Nike and AEBL Celebrate Atlanta Basketball Culture Through Community Impact

One of the partnership's most impactful initiatives was the AEBL Back-to-School Youth Basketball Camp and School Supply Giveaway. Designed to help students start the school year prepared and confident, the event provided participants with Don't Skip Summer branded T-shirts, backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies. The event also brought together coaches, mentors and community leaders who provided basketball instruction, encouragement and valuable guidance to young athletes throughout the day. 

The giveaway complemented Hibbett's Don't Skip Summer Basketball Tour, an eight-week community initiative that brought basketball directly into neighborhoods across Atlanta. Through weekly pickup-style games and community activations, the tour encouraged youth participation and community engagement before culminating in a final 3-on-3 tournament. Throughout the summer, the Don't Skip Summer van became a familiar sight at AEBL events, helping connect communities to both programs while expanding access to the game. 

Hibbett's support was also on display during AEBL Championship Weekend, where the brand created interactive experiences for fans attending one of Atlanta's premier summer basketball events. Attendees received Hibbett-branded merchandise, signed up for Hibbett Rewards and participated in interactive halftime contests. Competition winners were awarded Hibbett gift cards, creating memorable moments for fans throughout the event. 

Championship Weekend also highlighted Atlanta's deep basketball talent. In addition to the men's and women's championship games, the event featured a middle school All-Star Game showcasing emerging local athletes. Fans were also treated to a celebrity game featuring Atlanta personalities including Travis Porter, Roscoe Dash, DJ Holiday and Bambi, reinforcing the connection between basketball, entertainment and culture throughout the city. 

As the official presenting partner of AEBL for the 2026 season, Hibbett supported a platform that serves as much more than a basketball league. Founded in 2010, AEBL is a nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for young people through mentorship, community engagement and access to sport in under-resourced communities across metropolitan Atlanta. 

At the heart of the organization is the Summer Pro-Am League, which launched in 2013 and has grown into one of AEBL's largest community engagement platforms and fundraisers. Held annually on Atlanta's Westside, the league brings together local standouts, professional players, city legends, celebrities and fans for a uniquely Atlanta basketball experience.

Over the years, AEBL has evolved into a destination where basketball, music, entertainment and sneaker culture intersect. That blend of sport and culture made the organization a natural partner for Hibbett and Nike, two brands committed to showing up authentically in the communities they serve. 

Today, AEBL's impact continues year-round through initiatives such as the AEBL Women's Summer Pro-Am, Jr. AEBL, AEBL Girlz, The 24 High School All-Star Game and HBCU Elite 100 Camps. Together, these programs create opportunities for athletes at every stage of development while strengthening pathways to mentorship, leadership and community support. 

For Hibbett and Nike, the 2026 partnership with AEBL represented an investment in Atlanta's future. Through youth development, educational resources, community engagement and access to sport, the collaboration helped create lasting experiences for young people and families while supporting one of the city's most influential basketball organizations.