In August, NBA owners collectively agreed to contribute $300 million to establish the NBA Foundation in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association. The fund is dedicated to economically empowering Black communities through access to education and career advancement resources.
Friday, the league announced the Foundation's inaugural eight-person Board of Directors, one of whom is Charlotte Hornets chairman and Bulls great Michael Jordan.
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Board of Governors chairman/Toronto Raptors governor Larry Tanenbaum comprise the rest of the board, which features representatives from the league's owners, players, executives, players association and league office.
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"The Foundation’s Board of Directors will provide strategic direction with respect to programming and grantmaking as well as oversee the organization’s activities, working directly with all 30 NBA teams and their governors to support and facilitate sustainable initiatives in team markets," a statement said.
Jordan was reportedly an integral intermediary between players and owners during the 2019-20 season restart, especially in the wake of the player-led walkout after Jacob Blake's shooting in Kenosha. Jordan Brand also committed $100 million over the next 10 years to "organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education" back in June.
