August 3rd 2023.
The Orlando Magic NBA franchise has made a political contribution of $50,000 to a super PAC supporting Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to Business Insider, the June 26th check is the team's first donation to a presidential campaign, but not the first time the franchise has contributed to a political cause. Back in 2000, they donated $500 to Linda Chapin's run for Congress and $500 to Conservative Results in 2016.
The Magic is owned by Richard DeVos, the father-in-law of former Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who served under former President Donald Trump. To clarify, the team's spokesperson said the donation was made before DeSantis announced his run for president, and was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.
The National Basketball Players Association released a statement in response to the news. They reminded the public that NBA governors, players, and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, however, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, then the governors must consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players. The statement made it clear that the Magic's donation did not represent player support for DeSantis.
The Magic's biggest sponsor is The Walt Disney Co., who has been in a yearslong fight with the governor after denouncing his "Don't Say Gay" bill. The Magic, amid a rebuild, finished 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 34-48 record. The team recently drafted Anthony Black with the No.6 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and he will be paired with 2022-23 Rookie Of The Year Paolo Banchero, who averaged a team-high 20 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Overall, the Magic's political contribution and the National Basketball Players Association's response to it have highlighted the importance of considering the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players when making donations on behalf of an entire team.
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