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The NBA Board of Governors has pledged a combined $300 million over the next 10 years to empower Black communities, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
According to the league's announcement, 30 owners will collectively contribute $30 million per year to provide added pathways to employment and “career advancement” of members of the Black community.
The NBA Board of Governors will contribute $300 million in initial funding ($30M per year for next 10 years) to establish the first-ever NBA Foundation dedicated to creating greater economic empowerment in the Black community, in partnership with the NBPA.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2020
Over next 10 years, the 30 NBA team owners will contribute $30 million annually toward the NBA Foundation, which will work to drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement. Full release from the NBA and NBPA: pic.twitter.com/gOE4hvXmF5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2020
In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated the league hopes to provide the resources and amenities necessary for economic growth within the Black community (via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN):
“We are dedicated to using the collective resources of the 30 teams, the players and the league to drive meaningful economic opportunities for Black Americans,” the NBA commissioner said in a statement. “We believe that through focused programs in our team markets and nationally, together with clear and specific performance measures, we can advance our shared goals of creating substantial economic mobility within the Black community.”
Moreover, according to the ESPN report, Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis will give an additional $1 million annually to be used in the “Greater Washington Metropolitan Region.”
The NBA and NBPA have presented a unified front on matters of racial equality and social mobility, especially as tensions arise in recent months due to multiple incidents of police brutality against African-Americans.
Silver bypassed a long-standing league rule against kneeling during the national anthem, noting he embraced his players' decisions to engage in silent process.
Meanwhile, numerous players partaking in the NBA restart have dedicated media time to speaking on social justice issues.
All 30 franchises are embracing the call to action, and the NBA Foundation should be one of the most notable positives to come out of the 2019-20 season.
