Kidd to Host Charity Exhibition Game in Berkeley
The Cal Bears will face UCLA in a charity game on October 14, 2026, to benefit the Jason Kidd Foundation.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Berkeley will host a charity exhibition game between the UCLA Bruins and the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion. Proceeds from the matchup will directly benefit the Jason Kidd Foundation and its initiatives supporting women's basketball.
Why it matters
The event serves as a platform for Jason Kidd to promote women's basketball while funding his foundation's philanthropic work. Cal head coach Charmin Smith aims to establish the hosting of defending national champions as an annual occurrence for the university.
The exhibition game marks the first time a defending champion has visited Cal since 1993. The event schedule includes a chat featuring Gary Payton and Reshanda Gray alongside the primary game at Haas Pavilion.
The players
Jason Kidd
He is an NBA figure who supports youth basketball through his AAU programs and philanthropic efforts.
Charmin Smith
She serves as the head coach for the Cal Bears women's basketball team.
Gary Payton
He is a former professional basketball player participating in the event's chat programming.
Reshanda Gray
She is a professional basketball player scheduled to join a chat event at the exhibition.
Sotheby's
This is a global auction house partnering with the Jason Kidd Foundation for a fundraising event.
The details
Jason Kidd partnered with his alma mater to coordinate the exhibition, a move prompted by discussions with Cal coach Charmin Smith. The collaboration extends beyond the game, with Kidd supporting girls basketball through his AAU team and an upcoming November auction held with Sotheby's.
Timeline
The last time a defending champion played at Cal was 1993.
UCLA last played at Haas Pavilion in 2024.
The charity exhibition game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The Jason Kidd Foundation will hold an auction with Sotheby's in November 2026.
Market Landscape
Hosting elite opponents in high-profile exhibition games allows universities like Cal to elevate their program visibility and brand power. This strategic move mirrors efforts by top-tier institutions to leverage marquee matchups for both fundraising and recruitment in the competitive collegiate landscape.
Local basketball fans in the Bay Area can access tickets to the exhibition match held at Haas Pavilion. Attendance directly supports the Jason Kidd Foundation's mission to advance girls and women's basketball initiatives.
The takeaway
This event highlights the growing intersection of professional athlete foundations and collegiate sports programs to drive community engagement. Fans interested in supporting these causes should look for upcoming auction details following the October game.
What happens next
The Jason Kidd Foundation will hold a charity auction in partnership with Sotheby's throughout November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
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Do you believe charity exhibition games are an effective way to promote women's basketball?
