The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) strongly criticized the Orlando Magic for their $50,000 donation to a super PAC supporting Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. The union expressed alarm over the contribution, citing DeSantis’ recent comments and policies.
The $50,000 check, which became public through financial disclosures, was dated May 19, just days before DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. This marked the first instance of an NBA team directly donating to a group affiliated with a presidential candidate, especially one like DeSantis, who was widely expected to run for office. It is worth noting that the Magic is owned by the conservative DeVos family.
The Orlando Magic declined to comment on the matter, while both the DeSantis campaign and the super PAC, Never Back Down, did not immediately provide a response.
The NBPA acknowledged that NBA governors, players, and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements. However, when contributions are made on behalf of an entire team using money earned through the labor of its employees, it becomes crucial for team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.
This donation has put the league in an uncomfortable spotlight due to the stark contrast between the Magic’s support of DeSantis and the NBA’s initiatives. For instance, the league has endorsed expanding voting rights and the expungement of certain criminal records, which are stances that DeSantis has opposed as governor. Additionally, the NBA and WNBA have expressed support for abortion rights, while DeSantis signed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.
Furthermore, DeSantis has faced criticism for revising Florida’s African American history standards, with opponents arguing that it downplays the harsh realities of slavery. This issue is particularly sensitive in the NBA, where the majority of players are Black.
In response to the Magic’s donation, Larry Nance Jr., a player for the New Orleans Pelicans, who also serves on the league’s social justice coalition, expressed his disappointment on social media. Nance highlighted the irony of the Orlando Magic supporting a candidate who claimed that slavery had personal benefits for the enslaved.
The league’s spokesman, Mike Bass, emphasized that team governors have the autonomy to make their own political contributions, while respecting the right of NBA members to express their political views.
Since Adam Silver assumed the role of NBA commissioner in 2014, the league has generally welcomed political activism from its players. In some instances, the NBA has taken action, such as relocating the 2017 All-Star Game from North Carolina to protest anti-discrimination legislation. The league also established a social justice coalition after a player-led work stoppage during the 2020 playoffs, aiming to address issues disproportionately affecting Black people, including criminal justice reform. However, it is worth noting that several NBA owners frequently donate to politicians who oppose the league’s supported reforms.
The NBPA made it clear that the Orlando Magic’s donation does not reflect the support of the players towards the recipient.
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