Jason Kidd leans into youth baseball the same way the Mavs coach did with girls basketball
Jason Kidd Expands Coaching Portfolio to the Diamond with Launch of JK Select Baseball
For Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, the concept of "court vision" has always been about anticipating the next play before it develops. Now in his fifth season at the helm in Dallas, the Hall of Fame point guard is applying that same foresight to a different playing field. On Thursday, Kidd announced the launch of JK Select Baseball, a comprehensive youth development program modeled directly after his highly successful girls' basketball initiative.
The move marks a significant expansion of Kidd’s philanthropic and coaching footprint. While he continues to navigate the rigors of the NBA season, Kidd’s passion for youth sports has found a new outlet through his son, Chance Kidd. A 15-year-old catching prospect and high school standout, Chance’s development on the diamond inspired his father to create a structured environment for baseball similar to what he built for the hardwood.
The parallel to his previous work is intentional. JK Select Girls Basketball, based in the Bay Area, was established as a tribute following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi. That program has since developed into a powerhouse, producing over 45 Division I athletes. Kidd aims to replicate that success with JK Select Baseball, which will feature a three-tiered model including elite national teams, regional Dallas-based squads, and a licensing program for broader youth organizations.
"Our job is to invest in kids," Kidd said regarding the launch. "We hope that we can give them some wisdom. We're also looking not just at the kids, but also can we find more mentors?"
The program isn't merely about fielding competitive travel teams; Kidd emphasizes mentorship, mental maturity, and life skills—tenets he preaches in the Mavericks' locker room. By bridging the gap between elite competition and holistic development, Kidd is ensuring his legacy is defined as much by the opportunities he creates for the next generation as by the banners he chases in the NBA. As the Mavericks push through the 2025-26 campaign, their coach is proving that his commitment to player development knows no offseason—or specific sport.
For Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, the concept of "court vision" has always been about anticipating the next play before it develops. Now in his fifth season at the helm in Dallas, the Hall of Fame point guard is applying that same foresight to a different playing field. On Thursday, Kidd announced the launch of JK Select Baseball, a comprehensive youth development program modeled directly after his highly successful girls' basketball initiative.
The move marks a significant expansion of Kidd’s philanthropic and coaching footprint. While he continues to navigate the rigors of the NBA season, Kidd’s passion for youth sports has found a new outlet through his son, Chance Kidd. A 15-year-old catching prospect and high school standout, Chance’s development on the diamond inspired his father to create a structured environment for baseball similar to what he built for the hardwood.
The parallel to his previous work is intentional. JK Select Girls Basketball, based in the Bay Area, was established as a tribute following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi. That program has since developed into a powerhouse, producing over 45 Division I athletes. Kidd aims to replicate that success with JK Select Baseball, which will feature a three-tiered model including elite national teams, regional Dallas-based squads, and a licensing program for broader youth organizations.
"Our job is to invest in kids," Kidd said regarding the launch. "We hope that we can give them some wisdom. We're also looking not just at the kids, but also can we find more mentors?"
The program isn't merely about fielding competitive travel teams; Kidd emphasizes mentorship, mental maturity, and life skills—tenets he preaches in the Mavericks' locker room. By bridging the gap between elite competition and holistic development, Kidd is ensuring his legacy is defined as much by the opportunities he creates for the next generation as by the banners he chases in the NBA. As the Mavericks push through the 2025-26 campaign, their coach is proving that his commitment to player development knows no offseason—or specific sport.
