The Orlando Magic, a Disney-sponsored NBA team, donated $50,000 to Ron DeSantis’ super PAC.
The Orlando Magic, a Disney-sponsored NBA team, donated $50,000 to Ron DeSantis' super PAC.
Orlando Magic Donates $50,000 to Ron DeSantis Super PAC
The Orlando Magic, a Florida-based NBA team sponsored by Disney, recently made headlines when it donated $50,000 to the super PAC supporting Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign. This unexpected move by the basketball team adds an interesting twist to the ongoing feud between Disney and DeSantis that has been going on for over a year.
The donation was made to the DeSantis super PAC known as “Never Back Down” on June 26, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission. It comes at a time when the Orlando Magic is looking to bounce back after a challenging season, during which they finished with a record of 34-48, despite selecting Paolo Banchero as the first pick in the draft.
The news of the donation was first brought to public attention by Alex Shultz, the politics editor for SFGATE, who shared the information on Twitter. While this is the first time the basketball team has supported a presidential candidate, it is not their initial foray into political contributions. In the past, the Orlando Magic has donated to various political causes, including a Democratic House campaign in 2005, Maverick PAC USA in 2014, and Conservative Results in 2016.
To understand the rationale behind this move, it is important to consider the team’s ownership and their ties to the political landscape. The Orlando Magic is owned by a company established by Richard DeVos, who happens to be the father-in-law of former President Donald Trump’s secretary of education, Betsy DeVos. The team is chaired by Dan DeVos, Betsy DeVos’ brother-in-law, who has also been politically active and has made significant donations to the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2023.
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When asked about the donation, a representative from the Orlando Magic declined to comment publicly on their political contributions. However, this unexpected support for DeSantis’ super PAC raises eyebrows, considering the team’s sponsorship deal with Disney.
Notably, Disney and Governor DeSantis have been entangled in a prolonged feud over the years. This tension initially arose when Disney pushed back against what critics labeled as DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. This contentious relationship between Disney and DeSantis makes the Orlando Magic’s donation all the more intriguing.
It is worth mentioning that the Orlando Magic proudly displays a 2.5 in x 2.5 in Disney logo on the front of their uniform as part of a “multi-year agreement” with the entertainment giant. Therefore, while the team’s donation to DeSantis’ super PAC might seem contradictory, it highlights the complex dynamics at play between corporate sponsorships and political affiliations.
This unexpected twist in the intertwining worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics further illustrates the broader trend of corporations and individuals actively engaging in political contributions and affiliations. In an era where social consciousness and activism are gaining prominence among businesses and public figures, it is crucial to closely analyze the motives and implications of such actions.
In conclusion, the Orlando Magic’s $50,000 donation to Ron DeSantis’ super PAC adds a fascinating dimension to the ongoing feud between Disney and the Florida Governor. This unexpected move by the basketball team, sponsored by Disney, sheds light on the complex relationships between corporate sponsorships, political affiliations, and the interests of individuals behind the scenes. By delving deeper into these dynamics, we gain valuable insights into the intricate web that connects sports, entertainment, and politics in today’s society.
