The National Basketball Players Association called a $50,000 political donation from the Orlando Magic to Governor Ron DeSantis “alarming” and unrepresentative of its “staff and players.”
On Thursday, the NBPA, which represents players from the NBA, issued a statement about a $50,000 contribution made by Orlando Magic, LTD to Never Back Down, Inc., a Super Political Action Committee supporting Governor DeSantis’ campaign for the presidency.
“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming, given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary,” reads the statement.
The donation was disclosed as part of a mid-year report filed on July 31 with the Federal Election Commission by Never Back Down, Inc.
“NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements,” says the NBPA.
The NBPA goes on to state that contributions made on “behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees,” should be made in consideration of the “diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.”
“The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.”
The contribution in question was made on June 26, 2023 by Orlando Magic, LTD., which is the legal name of the basketball team.
Although the owners of teams from the National Basketball Association have a long history of donations to political campaigns, there is little precedent for a team making a contribution.
However, FEC archives show that this is not the first time that the Magic have made a political contribution.
In 2016, the team donated $500 to the Conservative Results PAC, and in 2014, the group made a $2,000 donation to Maverick PAC USA. In 2000, the team made a $500 donation to Linda Chapin for Congress.
The Orlando Magic was purchased by the DeVos family in 1991. According to the team’s website, the DeVos family has contributed more than $500 million over the past five years to nonprofit causes.
Earlier this year, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, whose operating expenses are covered by the DeVos family, distributed $1 million in grants to 24 nonprofit organizations across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Twelve of the organizations received at least $50,000, including Hope Partnership, which provides a continuum of care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Central Florida.