BREAKING NEWS : Washington capitals Former superstar Alex Ovechkin Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew… Read more

In a stunning and heartfelt act of generosity, former Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has announced that he is donating the entirety of his $12.9 million in recent bonus and sponsorship earnings to launch a major homeless shelter initiative in the Washington, D.C. area.

The initiative, titled “The Ovi Housing Project,” will help fund 150 transitional housing units and provide 300 emergency shelter beds, offering critical support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew I wanted to do something real, something lasting,” Ovechkin said in a press conference this morning. “This city gave me everything — my career, my second home, and so many memories. It’s time I give back in a way that really matters.”

The donation, which includes recent performance bonuses and lucrative endorsement earnings from major sports and lifestyle brands, marks one of the largest personal charitable gifts ever made by a professional hockey player to a single social cause.

A Lifelong Mission

Ovechkin, who retired from the NHL in 2024 after a legendary two-decade career, has long been active in charitable work, including children’s hospitals and youth hockey programs. But this latest move represents a shift in focus toward social justice and housing reform.

“No one should be sleeping outside in this city — or any city,” Ovechkin added. “This project is about more than just beds. It’s about restoring dignity, creating safety, and giving people a path forward.”

The Plan

The Ovi Housing Project will partner with local nonprofits, city housing authorities, and mental health providers to create a comprehensive support system. The 150 units of transitional housing will be located across three newly planned sites in D.C. and Northern Virginia, while the 300 shelter beds will be available starting early 2026.

A portion of the donation will also go toward job training, substance abuse recovery programs, and family reunification services.

Community and League Response

Reactions from around the NHL and the wider sports world have been swift and overwhelmingly positive.

“This is what leadership looks like,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Ovi has always been a fierce competitor, but today he showed the world the size of his heart.”

Fans and former teammates have taken to social media, praising Ovechkin not just for his legendary play on the ice but now for his commitment off it.

With this extraordinary act, Alex Ovechkin continues to cement his legacy — not only as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history but now as a champion for humanity, proving once again that true greatness extends far beyond the game.