NBA guard Russell Westbrook at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Exclusive: Russell Westbrook Speaks at Impactful Why Not? Foundation Event

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Joey Linn | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 4:03 PM ET

Following his 2024-25 campaign with the Denver Nuggets, nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook is continuing his impact off the court. On Friday, The 2017 league MVP and his Why Not? Foundation hosted their 5th annual Poker Night inside the Intrigue Night Club at Wynn Las Vegas.

The event, which had raised more than $1.5 million in its first four years, has continued to expand its impact. In partnership with World Poker Tour® Foundation, this evening of giving helps raise money with a specific emphasis on impacting underserved communities through educational access, workforce development, and mental health and wellness programs.

Prior to the event, Westbrook spoke about the impact he has seen it make over the years and how he plans to continue moving that forward.

“It’s been great,” Westbrook said of Poker Night’s evolution. “Every year I try to challenge not just myself but my team to do more, impact more, and inspire more people. That has helped the event evolve. When people come out and show support, I’m very appreciative. To me, we’re just getting started, and I’m looking forward to continuing to impact and reach more people.”

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A post shared by Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation (@whynotfoundation)

On Friday, Westbrook was in attendance. He spent the evening engaging with guests and sharing the impact this event makes. Among those who attended were Westbrook’s former Nuggets teammate DeAndre Jordan, Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (who played with Westbrook on the LA Clippers) and many others.

Seeing all of these people come out to support his mission is something Westbrook greatly appreciates.

“I’m very grateful,” Westbrook said when asked about all of those in attendance. He joked that hosting the event in Las Vegas helps get people to come out, but added, “I think they also believe in what we’re doing. I appreciate people donating and giving back, because it impacts kids, families, and underserved communities. I always encourage donors to visit schools or come to our events so they can see the results of their contributions.”

Appreciate everyone who came out and made our @WhyNotFdn Poker Night special! Your support means the world and helps us keep pushing our mission forward.

BIG thanks to @WPT and @WynnLasVegas for helping us make this year our biggest and best event yet! #whynot https://t.co/oXqmAbqj2N
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) September 15, 2025

Whether it was the NBA players in attendance or other influential community leaders who have partnered with the Why Not? Foundation, many at Friday’s event do charity work of their own. Westbrook hopes to continue raising the bar for what philanthropy can look like for those around him.

“I love that challenge,” he said. “I’m grateful people view me that way. God has given me this platform to help others in ways they can’t always help themselves. We’ll continue striving to grow the foundation every year.”

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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