SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco (USF) has set the date for the inaugural 'Bill Russell Impact Classic' basketball game for Thursday, February 12, 2026 versus Oregon State at 6:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center on the USF campus, on what would have been Bill Russell's 92nd birthday. A portion of proceeds from the game will go to the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund for USF students and the Bill Russell 6 Foundation, and a posthumous honorary doctorate will be presented to Bill Russell's widow, Mrs. Jeannine Russell. On the same day, there will be a formal dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at the main thoroughfare on the USF campus newly renamed as "The Bill Russell Way", cementing Russell's lasting influence on generations of Dons.
"Collaborating with the team at USF has been uplifting, because it reflects the very values Bill lived by - commitment, humility, and lifting others up," said Jeannine Russell. "During his years at USF, he faced adversity with determination and always kept his focus on the collective good. I know he would be immensely proud to see his legacy carried forward through the Bill Russell Impact Classic. It is a beautiful moment of continuity and purpose."
This annual men's basketball event honors Russell's extraordinary achievements as he led the Dons to back-to-back national championships 70 years ago, launched a storied career in the NBA, and embodied the Jesuit ideals of leadership, equity, and service. USF has established the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund in his honor, offering short-term financial support for undergraduate students experiencing economic instability. To date, the fund has assisted more than 25 students.
"I understand how important it is to come home to USF, and I'm so grateful that Bill Russell's legacy is returning home to USF to be celebrated," said President Salvador D. Aceves '83, EdD '95. "It is an honor to bring Bill's legacy and the university together. USF stands firm in its admiration for what Bill Russell stood for, and we're honored to recognize his incredible achievements - on and off the basketball court - as we establish this well-deserved tribute to our alumnus, Bill Russell."
Arguably the greatest winner in the history of basketball, Russell was a two-time All-American who guided the Dons to national championships in 1955 and 1956. His defensive brilliance powered a record 55-game undefeated run, earning him the titles of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1955) and West Coast Conference Player of the Year (1956). Russell also won a gold medal at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia.
After being drafted second overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1956 NBA Draft, Russell went on to be a 12-time All-Star, 11-time champion, five-time Most Valuable Player and 9-time All-NBA selection across his 13 years as a player. From 1966-1969, he also served as player-coach for the Celtics, becoming the first African-American coach for a North American professional basketball team and the first African-American coach to win a professional championship. Following his time with the Celtics, Russell also coached the Seattle SuperSonics from 1973-1977 and the Sacramento Kings from 1987-1988.
To purchase your tickets for the inaugural game, please click here. Contributions to the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund may be made online by visiting this web page.
For information on the Bill Russell 6 Foundation, please visit https://www.billrussell6foundation.org/
USF has teamed up with Roots of Fight on a special Bill Russell x USF legacy apparel line. Click here to view the collection.
For more information on how you may support, please visit our How to Give page. Checks may be mailed to:
University of San Francisco
Attn: Development Services
2130 Fulton St
San Francisco, CA 94117
