Vanessa Bryant, the widow of basketball icon Kobe Bryant, has spent the years since the heartbreaking loss of her husband and daughter Gianna channeling grief into purposeful action. On February 24, 2026, a date charged with deep personal and public meaning, Vanessa announced the unveiling of the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Court at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California—a gesture that not only honors her family’s legacy but also offers a lasting resource to the community.
The new Family Court, located within the Sue & Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion at Hoag Hospital, serves as a welcoming and departure area for patients, especially parents and their newborns. This space, now permanently bearing the Bryant family name, is more than just a physical location—it’s a testament to the enduring impact of the Bryants on the city of Newport Beach and beyond. According to Athlon Sports, Vanessa and Kobe Bryant welcomed all four of their daughters at Hoag Hospital, making the site particularly significant for the family. Vanessa herself reflected on this connection, writing on Instagram to her 15 million-plus followers: “Today on 2/24, we unveiled the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family court at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. HOAG Hospital will always hold a special place in my heart having delivered our four daughters there. The staff took such great care of us and we are happy to give back for future generations!”
The date of the unveiling—February 24—was no accident. It coincides with National Kobe and Gigi Day, an annual event established in 2020 to commemorate the lives and legacies of Kobe and Gianna Bryant after their tragic deaths in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. The symbolism runs deep: 2/24 represents Gianna’s jersey number (2), Kobe’s jersey number (24), and the 20 years Kobe spent as a Los Angeles Laker. Six years ago to the day, thousands gathered at the Staples Center for a memorial service titled “A Celebration of Life.” Vanessa’s strength during that service, where she spoke to 20,000 attendees about the people her husband and daughter were off the court, left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it. As Michael Jordan poignantly stated at the time, “When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died.”
Every year since that loss, fans worldwide have marked February 24 with tributes, art, and messages of remembrance. This year was no different. Social media overflowed with paintings, customized t-shirts, and heartfelt posts celebrating Kobe and Gianna’s impact on basketball and the world. Vanessa Bryant herself got emotional sharing a fan tribute on Instagram, featuring murals of Kobe and Gigi and the caption, “Sending Love To Mamba and Mambacita Family 2-24-26. Happy Gigi and Kobe Day.” The post, created by a fan with the username Tehrell_Porter_Designs, included images of Gigi in her famous Mamba jersey—number 2—highlighting her early passion for basketball and her participation in the Amateur Athletic Union. The tribute recognized not only Kobe and Gianna but also the entire Bryant family’s immense contribution to the sport.
Vanessa Bryant’s philanthropic journey didn’t begin or end with this hospital initiative. Since the tragedy, she has taken the reins of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting youth sports and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Through the foundation, Vanessa has overseen the renovation of basketball courts, such as the complete overhaul of the Tustin Playground courts in Philadelphia, where Kobe’s own journey began. She’s also championed the creation of "Mamba Mentality" hubs in cities across the United States—spaces designed to provide boys and girls with equal access to high-quality sports facilities and to instill the values Kobe and Gianna embodied.
Public tributes and creative projects have also played a major role in keeping the Bryant legacy alive. Last year saw the release of the book Mamba & Mambacita Forever, which features over 100 murals and stories celebrating Kobe and Gianna’s lasting influence. Vanessa hosted a book signing at the Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles, braving rainy weather alongside dedicated fans. She later thanked everyone who attended, calling it “so lovely” to meet supporters and sign their books—a small but meaningful way to connect with the community and celebrate her family’s impact.
Vanessa’s philanthropic efforts have drawn admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and local leaders alike. Each initiative—whether it’s a newly named hospital space, a renovated basketball court, or a community event—serves as a tribute not only to Kobe and Gianna but to the values they stood for: resilience, generosity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As Vanessa stated in another message, “Hoag is a special place. I have wonderful memories of the care and support I received from the amazing doctors and nurses. I want this gift to help more people experience that level of care when they need it.”
The Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Court is already being recognized as more than a memorial. It’s a place where new families begin their journeys, a space that will see countless moments of hope, joy, and new beginnings. The Bryants’ gift ensures that future generations will benefit from the same compassion and care that meant so much to them. As Athlon Sports and other outlets have reported, the unveiling ceremony was private but the announcement quickly spread, drawing widespread praise and heartfelt responses across social media and the broader community.
National Kobe and Gigi Day continues to serve as a focal point for remembrance and celebration. Fans around the globe post tributes each year, sharing stories, artwork, and memories that keep the Mamba mentality alive. The day is a reminder not only of the loss suffered but of the enduring power of legacy—how one family’s story can inspire millions and continue to shape the world of sports and beyond.
Through every initiative, Vanessa Bryant has shown a steadfast commitment to honoring her loved ones by uplifting others. Whether through philanthropy, public tributes, or simply sharing a moment of gratitude with fans, she’s ensured that the legacies of Kobe and Gianna Bryant remain vibrant and meaningful.
As families walk through the doors of Hoag Hospital’s new Family Court, they’ll be greeted not just by a name, but by a legacy of love, resilience, and hope—a legacy that Vanessa Bryant continues to build, one heartfelt gesture at a time.