In a statement released Thursday, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) called the Orlando Magic’s donation to a super PAC backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis “alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary.”
Federal Election Commission records show that the Magic’s $50,000 donation to ‘Never Back Down Inc.’ was received on June 26, after DeSantis had announced his run for president in 2024 on May 24. The NBPA said “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.”
The Magic issued a statement, saying: “To clarify, this gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. It was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of Central Florida.” The team indicated that the check was dated May 19, prior to DeSantis’ presidential announcement. The Magic have had a partnership with Disney since 2010, and the company has been the team’s official jersey sponsor since 2017.
The late Richard DeVos purchased the 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 the former chair of the Michigan Republican Party and served as the U.S. Secretary of Education under former President Donald Trump from 2017-2021. The Magic had made three previous donations according to records from the FEC: $500 in 2016 to a super PAC called “Conservative Results,” $2,000 in 2014 to a super PAC called “Maverick PAC USA,” and $500 in 2000 to Linda Chapin for congress.
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