BMX athlete Nigel Silvester hangs the first State Farm Red Net in Yonkers, New York. (Credit: Ralphy Ramos)

State Farm is restoring pride, play and connection to neighborhoods across the country through its new State Farm Red Nets initiative, showing up like a good neighbor one court at a time.

Basketball courts are at the heart of many communities, however State Farm noticed that some courts could benefit from a little extra care. Sometimes even just the basics, like nets, can make a big difference. By working together to support these spaces, we can help boost participation, help give youth safe places to play and strengthen neighborhood connections. In some cities, up to 90% of public hoops are missing nets – especially in underserved communities (according to data from Chicago and NYC).

State Farm is stepping in to help reverse this trend with a simple commitment to install Red Nets on underserved courts across the country, symbolizing support, care and renewed possibility in places that need it most. This initiative aims to help strengthen community bonds and cultivate a renewed sense of neighborhood pride.

“Being a Good Neighbor means finding creative ways to give back and showing up with the assist when it matters,” said Alyson Griffin, Head of Marketing at State Farm. “State Farm Red Nets is another way we’re investing in community spaces – places where neighbors can gather and connect. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to basketball at all levels and to building stronger neighborhoods across the country. How amazing would it be to see Red Nets at basketball courts across the country!” 

To help launch the Red Nets initiative, State Farm teamed up with professional BMX athlete and Queens, New York native Nigel Sylvester. Nigel is not only a celebrated athlete but also established a foundation dedicated to giving youth the access and resources they need to live out their imagination and define sports on their own terms.

The first official Red Nets were installed at a local park in Yonkers, New York, where Sylvester was joined by community members to celebrate what’s possible when we all invest in our neighborhoods.

“Queens raised me. The basketball court wasn’t just a place to hoop – it was a safe haven. It’s where my friends and I built bonds, sparked creativity, and pushed each other – sometimes battling it out in 21, other times it was simply a flat surface for me to practice bike tricks,” said Nigel Sylvester. “That energy shaped me on and off the bike. That’s why teaming up with State Farm on Red Nets makes so much sense. Because something as simple as a fresh net can help turn dreams into reality. It tells the next generation that their space matters – that they matter.”

A Movement Bigger Than Basketball

State Farm Red Nets is far more than just hanging up nets – it’s a call to action. The goal is simple but ambitious: To help see that every public hoop in the country that needs a net, gets one. Following today’s launch, State Farm is teaming up with other creators and athletes across the U.S. to hang Red Nets at courts in their own neighborhoods, helping spark a countrywide movement of restoration and recognition for the spaces where countless memories and futures are formed.

BMX athlete Nigel Silvester hangs the first State Farm Red Net in Yonkers, New York. (Credit: Ralphy Ramos)

Anyone can join this effort. Starting today, individuals, schools, teams and community groups can register to order their own Red Nets kit while supplies last. If there’s a court in your neighborhood in need of nets, installing Red Nets is a simple way to show up like a good neighbor for the community and keep the game going for the next generation.

For more than 100 years, State Farm has been present in neighborhoods across the country, making a meaningful difference where it matters most. The brand has been embedded in basketball culture for decades, collaborating with the NBA, WNBA and athletes across all levels of the game. State Farm Red Nets continues that legacy and reinforces the brand’s belief that sports help bring people together, and strong communities keep them together.

To learn more about State Farm Red Nets and how you can get involved, visit the official State Farm Red Nets website.

About State Farm:

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

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