What has the NBAPA said about the Orlando Magic’s $50,000 donation to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis?

Though the age-old idea of sports and politics never mixing remains to be something we all hope for, many of us - regardless of what sport we like - understand all too well that the two often walk hand in hand these days. Yet, it appears that’s something the NBA would like to address where the Orlando Magic and the Governor of Florida are concerned.

NBA weighs in on Magic & DeSantis

If you caught our previous report, then you will know that earlier this week the Orlando Magic tried to quell concerns about a recent $50,000 donation that was made to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ super PAC, “Never Back Down.” The donation drew widespread concern and now it seems the NBAPA has stepped into the fray in an apparent effort to clarify exactly what’s going down. In a statement released on Friday, the association referred to the donation as ‘alarming.’ Take a look below to see what was said:

“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. NBA governors, players, and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players. The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient.”

What did the Orlando Magic say initially?

Referring once again to our previous report, you will surely have seen that the Magic did in fact release a statement prior to the one given by the NBAPA. It read as follows: “To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race,” a Magic spokesperson said. “It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.”

Now for the purpose of context, it’s important to understand that the official website of the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) indicates that the donation from the Magic was received on June 26th, after DeSantis had announced his presidential run, however, the team has since indicated that the check itself was dated May 19th, which as you can see is prior to DeSantis’ announcement. So, OK that all seems legitimate. On the other hand, the real question is, ‘Why are the Orlando Magic who’ve maintained a partnership with Disney since 2010 and have had the company as the team’s official jersey sponsor since 2017, donating money to a man who has made attacking Disney one of the focal points of his political approach in Florida?’ We leave that one to you.

The Orlando Magic have donated before

Interestingly enough, the Magic as a franchise has made donations before, three to be precise. According to the FEC, the first of those was in 2016 when they donated $500 to a Super PAC called “Conservative Results.” The second was to the tune of $2,000 made in 2014 to a Super PAC called “Maverick PAC USA,” and lastly was another $500 given to Linda Chapin in 2000 for Congress. For a little context, the franchise was purchased by the late Richard DeVos in 1991 and has remained in the family since. Today, Richard’s son, Dan DeVos is the chairman and if that last name seems familiar, that’s because Dan’s sister-in-law is Betsy DeVos, the former chair of the Michigan Republican Party and more recently, the U.S. Secretary of Education under former President Donald Trump from 2017-2021. As for the team, the Magic posted a 34-48 record last season which was good enough for a 13th-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Political wrangling aside, they’ll need to improve this coming campaign.