Venturing out in his post-playing days, Russell Westbrook is hoping to carve out a legacy beyond the basketball court. The future Hall-of-Famer announced his retirement in Aug. 2026. This comes after an epic 18 seasons that saw him blossom into one of the era-defining NBA superstars of the 2010s.
Westbrook enjoyed his best years with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He spent his first 11 seasons there from 2008-19. In that time, he turned into a one-time MVP winner, perennial All-Star, perennial All-NBA member and completely redefined what a triple-double meant. He also co-starred — alongside Kevin Durant — in a title contender with regularly deep playoff runs.
When you think of the NBA's 2010s decade, you think of Westbrook. The NBA superstar will
go down as one of the most polarizing players who put up video-game-esque stats. At the peak of his powers, he was one of the five best players on a team that constantly threatened to bring home a Larry O'Brien trophy.
But looking at the early days of his NBA retirement, the 37-year-old isn't going to walk off into the sunset. He's continuing to give back to his fanbase and local communities. One way Westbrook is doing so is through a charity event run by his 'Why Not? Foundation.'
Westbrook will host his sixth annual Poker Night on Friday, Sept. 18, in Las Vegas. The annual event has become part of the one-time MVP's philanthropic work. It's raised $2 million that has been funneled directly to the WNF's mission to create pathways of empowerment through educational access, workforce development, and vital mental health and wellness programs in underserved communities.
"Our upcoming 6th Annual Poker Night is a signature cornerstone of our ongoing work to unlock game-changing futures for underserved youth. With that purpose in mind, my retirement is beyond a farewell, it’s a new door opened for impact at the highest level," Westbrook wrote in a statement. "Basketball gave me the platform, but purpose has helped me reimagine what’s possible. This next chapter gives me the opportunity to invest further in the next generation. Since 2012, it’s been an honor to build new pathways to success for young people in my hometown of South Los Angeles with the 'Why Not? Foundation.'"
Other NBA players have participated in the Westbrook-run event over the last five years. Such as Chris Paul, DeMar DeRozan and DeAndre Jordan.
It's cool to see Westbrook continue to do community work with fundraisers. That's always been a staple of his over his playing days as he skyrocketed into all-time legend status. Now that his playing days are behind him, the NBA pantheon continues to find ways to give back.
As the franchise leader for most records, Westbrook will forever be synonymous with the Thunder. Expect OKC to eventually retire his No. 0 jersey and maybe even raise up a statue outside of its new downtown arena that'll open up in the 2028-29 regular season.
Russell Westbrook and his ‘Why Not? Foundation’ will host the 6th Annual ‘Why Not? Foundation Poker Night’ on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at Las Vegas
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 9, 2026
The fundraiser continues to deliver an elevated poker experience with world-class poker professionals and celebrity players pic.twitter.com/rWAgYLbZZQ
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Russell Westbrook to host poker-style fundraiser event in Las Vegas
