The Earl Lloyd Scholarship (ELS) was established by the NBA Players Legacy Fund in 2015 and has been funded exclusively by the Legacy Fund ever since.
ELS is available to eligible Legends of Basketball members, their spouses, and their children, stepchildren, legally adopted children, and grandchildren to help offset the cost of higher education. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to the ten Dave DeBusschere Scholarship recipients with the greatest financial need.
Earl Francis Lloyd (1928–2015) made history on October 31, 1950, when he became the first African American to play in an NBA game, breaking the league’s color barrier and paving the way for generations of players to follow. A standout at West Virginia State College, Lloyd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before returning to enjoy a distinguished nine-year NBA career. Despite facing significant racial discrimination, he persevered with remarkable courage, resilience, and dignity, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations both on and off the court.
The NBA Players Legacy Fund is proud to honor Earl Lloyd’s extraordinary life through its annual $45,000 grant to the Legends of Basketball in support of the Earl Lloyd Scholarship.