WICHITA, Kan. –  For a man known for his rebounding, today might be his biggest assist. In an inspiring show of community investment and support for local youth, Wichita State senior center William Berg has purchased 10 season tickets for the 2026-27 Wichita State Men's Basketball season and donating them to the Wichita Children's Home. These tickets will allow several children to experience the excitement of Shocker basketball in Charles Koch Arena throughout the 2026-27 season.

"I wanted to give back to the community and show my appreciation," Berg said. "I know how hard it can be as a kid facing adversity and I want to help them any way I can. If I can give them a few memories that they'll remember forever, that's a win."

Berg, a 7-foot-2 center from Stockholm, Sweden, is in his second season with the Shockers. He earned American Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors as a junior, anchoring the 24-win Shockers.

The Wichita Children's Home joins the list of non-profit organizations that provided more than 450 women's basketball tickets and more than 3,300 men's basketball tickets during the 2025-26 season, thanks to the generous contributions of Shane and Kianne Prill, Rick and Barbara Hemphill, Tony and Sherl Weatherbee, Tom and Myra Devlin, and Kirsten and Larry Teague who each donated tickets – all of whom have signed on to contribute once again in 2026-27.

David Jabara, Marc Farha and Lisa Hambelton, on behalf of Mel Hambelton Ford, contributed to cover additional associated costs to enhance the experience for all attendees and are back on board for the 2026-27 season as well.

Joining Berg in the community tickets initiative in 2026-27 is Star Lumber & Supply, as well as another anonymous donor who has committed tickets allowing Wichita State Athletics to further expand offerings to the current recipients list.

Wichita State Athletics invites and encourages individuals and business alike to consider donating to the community tickets initiative for the 2026-27 athletic season across all ticketed sports. Men's basketball specifically will host 19 home men's basketball games in CKA this year, the most in a regular season ever allowing each donation to stretch even further.

"It doesn't require much to make a real lasting impact on these kids," Berg said. "Big or small, all gestures help and I know the Wichita community has a lot of love to share as I have experienced it myself."

Local stakeholders interested in joining the effort can contact the Wichita State Athletics Ticket Office at (316) 978-FANS or online here to purchase tickets and coordinate donations. Together, Wichitans can fill the stands and build a stronger, more connected community.

Community Members
Those organizations that are currently receiving the community tickets that have been donated are:

The Bridge Church
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters
League 42
Stand Together
United Way of the Plains
YMCA
And as of today, Wichita Children's Home