STWF Sports | INDIANAPOLIS | August 16, 2026 — Indiana’s professional sports organizations are coming together to support communities across the state following devastating flooding that has displaced residents, damaged homes and businesses and prompted widespread emergency response efforts.
The Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and Noblesville Boom announced Sunday a combined $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross for flood relief and recovery efforts throughout Central Indiana. The Colts are contributing $125,000, while the Pacers, Fever and Boom are collectively contributing the remaining $125,000.
The joint effort was announced as the region continues recovering from torrential rainfall and severe storms that produced historic flooding along the White River. The Red Cross is using the funding to provide shelter, meals, relief supplies and other critical resources to people affected by the disaster.
For the organizations involved, the response extends far beyond their respective playing fields.
Community Support in Indiana
Colts owner, chief brand officer and Indianapolis Colts Foundation president Kalen Jackson emphasized the emotional and financial toll the flooding has taken on Hoosiers, particularly as familiar communities and destinations throughout the region have been affected.
Jackson said the destruction has hit close to home, with friends and places from her childhood among those impacted. The organization’s response reflects a broader philosophy that professional teams have an obligation to support their communities during difficult moments.
The flooding has been severe enough to force evacuations in communities including Noblesville, Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood. The White River crested above 20 feet Saturday, while emergency crews conducted dozens of rescues involving both residents and pets.
American Red Cross Indiana Region CEO Terry Stigdon said the organization is working to meet immediate needs while preparing to assist families through what could become a lengthy recovery process.
The donation from Indianapolis’ sports organizations is expected to help provide critical assistance to affected families, including temporary shelter, meals and essential supplies.
Rachel Simon, chair of the Pacers Foundation, also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the city’s professional franchises.
“Sports have a unique ability to bring people together,” Simon said in the organizations’ announcement, while noting that their connection to Indiana extends well beyond competition.
This is not the first time Indianapolis sports organizations have worked together in response to community challenges.
The Colts and Pacers have previously combined resources on charitable initiatives, including a major effort during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that directed support toward Indianapolis community centers serving vulnerable residents.
Sunday’s announcement continues that tradition, this time with the Fever and Noblesville Boom joining the response.
The Colts have also supported disaster-relief initiatives independently over the years, including fundraising for Indiana flood victims in 2008 and contributing to national disaster-relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
As Central Indiana begins assessing the full extent of the latest damage, the focus now shifts toward recovery.
For families who have lost access to their homes, businesses facing significant damage and communities dealing with the aftermath of historic flooding, assistance from relief organizations could remain necessary well after the water recedes.
By joining forces, the Colts, Pacers, Fever and Boom are delivering a message that stretches across the NFL and professional basketball: when Indiana communities are hurting, the state’s teams are prepared to respond together.
The organizations are also encouraging those able to help to support ongoing American Red Cross flood-relief efforts.
