On Friday, the National Basketball Players Association released a statement regarding the Orlando Magic’s recent $50,000 donation to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Never Back Down supercomputer.
From NBPA:
The political contribution of the Orlando Magic is alarming given the recent comments and policies of its beneficiary.
NBA managers, players, and staff have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, if contributions are made on behalf of the entire team, using the money earned by the labor of its employees, team leaders are required to take into account the different values and points of view of staff and players.
Donating Magic does not signify the player’s support for the recipient.
After initially refusing to publicly comment on the donation, Magic made a statement on Wednesday.
“To clarify, this gift was made before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race,” a Magic spokesperson said. “It was transferred as a business in Florida in support of the Governor of Florida for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”
The Magic donation was received on June 26, after DeSantis announced his 2024 presidential candidacy on May 24, according to FEC records. announcement, but after several reports that he would run for president. (the day before, t. The newspaper “New York Times reported that DeSantis told supporters and donors that he was the only person who could win the Republican primary and election during a call arranged by his supercomputing committee.)
The Magic has been with Disney since 2010, and the company has been the team’s official jersey sponsor since 2017. DeSantis has made attacking Disney a central component of his political activities in Florida.
As an organization, Magic has made three previous donations, according to FEC records: $500 in 2016 to a supercomputer called “Conservative Results”, $2,000 in 2014 to a supercomputer called “Maverick PAC USA”, and $500 in 2000 to Linda Chapin for Congress .
The late Richard DeVos bought Magic in 1991 and the franchise has been in the family ever since. Richard’s son, Dan DeVos, is the current chairman. Dan’s sister-in-law, Betsy DeVos, is a former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party and served as U.S. Secretary of Education under former President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021.
The Magic went 34-48 last season and finished 13th in the Eastern Conference.