23-Year-Old Sets NBA Arena Tour Record for Make-A-Wish

Justin Leusner visited all 30 NBA arenas in just 32 days, raising over $100,000 for charity.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:27am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player on a basketball court, with the energy and excitement of an NBA arena expressed through sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A vibrant, conceptual illustration captures the record-breaking journey of a young man driven to use his passion for sports to make a difference in the lives of critically ill children.State College Today

In a remarkable feat, 23-year-old Justin Leusner from State College, Pennsylvania, has set a new record by visiting all 30 NBA arenas in just 32 days. But this adventure was about more than just breaking records - Leusner's mission was to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, inspired by his own childhood dream and a desire to give back to the community.

Why it matters

Leusner's journey showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and community to drive meaningful change. His story inspires others to dream big and use their platforms for charitable causes, demonstrating how sports can be a vehicle for philanthropy and positively impacting lives.

The details

Leusner meticulously planned and saved for this trip, budgeting a substantial amount to make it happen. Despite encountering travel delays, including a setback in Toronto, Leusner's resilience and inspiration from Make-A-Wish kids he met along the way motivated him to persevere. His YouTube community rallied behind the cause, with donations ranging from $5 to $43,000, highlighting the impact one person can have when they harness the power of community.

  • Leusner set out on his record-breaking NBA arena tour in April 2026.
  • He completed the tour in just 32 days, breaking the previous record.

The players

Justin Leusner

A 23-year-old from State College, Pennsylvania, who set a new record by visiting all 30 NBA arenas in 32 days to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

A non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, which was the beneficiary of Leusner's record-breaking NBA arena tour.

Cedar Heights Church

The church Leusner is involved with, reflecting his faith and commitment to service.

Ryan Trahan

Another YouTuber who inspired Leusner's fundraising initiative for Make-A-Wish.

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What they’re saying

“Since the age of 10, I've been creating sports videos on YouTube, and the idea of visiting every NBA arena became a lifelong goal. I meticulously planned and saved for this trip, budgeting a substantial amount to make it happen.”

— Justin Leusner, Record-Breaking NBA Arena Tour Participant

“Leusner's encounter with Make-A-Wish kids, who had faced immense adversity, motivated him to persevere. This is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest lessons come from those we aim to help.”

— Author

What’s next

Leusner's followers have suggested a similar fundraiser for Major League Baseball, opening up exciting possibilities for using sports as a vehicle for philanthropy.

The takeaway

Leusner's record-breaking journey demonstrates how one person's passion and determination can inspire a community to rally behind a meaningful cause, using sports as a platform to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.