76ers’ parent company pledges $20M to counter systemic racism, promote equality

Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris of the 76ers protesting in Philadelphia.
Photo credit Courtesy of HBSE
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the parent company that owns the 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, announced a $10 million pledge over the next five years that is geared toward improving the communities their teams play in. 

HBSE is also contributing another $10 million contribution on behalf of the Sixers to the NBA Foundation, which the league recently formed to help grow the economy in Black communities

“As leaders and stewards of community pillars, the eyes of the world are on us to do better, and they should be,” 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a statement. “While we will never be able to correct the past harm and injustice faced by Black Americans, it’s our duty to provide resources that enable tangible action and greater opportunities for equality. 

“We are committing to a fundamental change in our business strategy by embedding our organization with Black communities and businesses through significant and sustained investment and support. We are deeply committed to fighting for a better, more inclusive future and we pledge to be leaders in doing so.”

The $10 million pledge over five years is broken down into three sections:

  • Investing in Black communities: HBSE Real Estate’s Community Advancement Program is looking to revitalize communities by donating at least $2.5 million to organizations and efforts that focus on quality of life and equitable development in Black communities. Other investments include regular capital into real estate projects.
  • Supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs: The Sixers and Devils will invest more than $5 million through HBSE’s new Buy Black Partnership Program. HBSE will also increase spending with Black-owned businesses through their Diversity Procurement Program. 
  • Promoting education, health and employment: The other $2.5 million out of the $10 million pledge will be committed through the Sixers Youth Foundation and Devils Care Foundation. Part of these efforts include the Sixers pledging to provide free internet to more than 1,000 families in the School District of Philadelphia. 

HBSE’s goal for equality also includes a focus on increasing respect, inclusion and diversity in the workplace. It said it will hire a chief diversity and impact officer, as well as enhance its Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and new Black Employee Resource Group. 

The company also intends to focus on new recruitment and career advancement methods to increase the number of Black and minority employees who work for HBSE, as well as partner with historically black colleges and universities to provide impending college graduates with exposure to its company. 

“Moving forward, we are making a continued commitment to racial equality as a key focus of our business, advancing institutional and situational change where we live, work and play,” Sixers Co-Managing Partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “We cannot and will not tolerate racism, injustice or hate, and take responsibility to be a part of the solution for the future of our industry, the cities we serve and our country as a whole.”