The NBA is scoring big off the court with its growing commitment to sustainability. Through the league’s NBA Green platform, the association is working to reduce its environmental footprint while inspiring millions of fans to take action. The NBA has pledged to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040, aligning with global climate goals.
Across the league, teams are transforming their arenas into leaders in sustainability. The Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center is powered entirely by solar energy, while other arenas are adopting sustainable design and construction practices. The Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena has achieved one of the highest certifications for waste diversion by recycling and composting millions of pounds of fan-generated waste. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has also implemented large-scale composting and electronic waste recycling programs.
Travel is one of the NBA’s largest sources of emissions, and the league has taken steps to address it. By restructuring schedules to reduce long-haul flights, pairing games geographically, and using more efficient logistics, the NBA has already reduced travel-related greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
The NBA knows that sustainability is a team effort. Initiatives like “Threes for Trees” connect the excitement of the game with positive environmental action, planting trees for every three-pointer scored. At major events like the All-Star Game, the league has partnered with local organizations to recover thousands of pounds of surplus food, turning waste into meals for local communities while reducing emissions. The Launchpad program has also encouraged innovation, testing new solutions such as recycling incentives and projects that turn discarded fishing nets into basketball nets for underserved communities.
Through NBA Green, the league is using its global platform to bring sustainability into the spotlight. By engaging fans, empowering players, and setting ambitious climate goals, the NBA demonstrates that sports can play a powerful role in building a healthier planet.
