LeBron James partners with PGA Tour to host new golf event in Akron, Ohio

LeBron James, the newest star for the Philadelphia 76ers, gained plenty of attention when he launched a YouTube channel focused on golf in August. If that wasn't enough of an indication, James is apparently far more into the sport than expected. He continued to put his love of the sport on display Tuesday, when it was announced James had teamed up with the PGA Tour to bring a new golf event to his hometown.

The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in Akron, Ohio, in 2027, per ESPN. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 and be played at the South Course at Firestone Country Club.

The event will be focused on helping kids see the benefits of golf. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will feature " amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program," per ESPN.

In a statement, James talked about the ways the sport can open doors and build relationships .

"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."

The Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program was established in 2024 to provide "opportunities for talented golfers from underrepresented communities to strengthen the pipeline of future professional talent and its audience," per the PGA's website. The program also has a collegiate tier, in which the top-five ranked players gain membership access to the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour.

James' event will connect students from his foundation's I Promise program with pro golfers who came up through the Pathway to Progression program. It will also include off-course mentorship programs between students and players.

Firestone Country Club has played host to many pro golfing events over the years. Most recently, the Senior Players Championship was held at the course from 2019 through 2026. But in May, it was announced that the event would be moved to California in 2027, paving the way for James to host a new event in his hometown.