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As wildfires continue to devastate the Greater Los Angeles area, professional sports leagues and teams and other sports organizations across the U.S. are supporting relief efforts, providing both financial aid and vital resources to affected communities. The wildfires have destroyed more than 12,000 homes, businesses and schools, displaced thousands of residents, killed at least 25 people and are causing immeasurable environmental damage. In response, the sports community is rallying together to offer immediate assistance to local Angelenos.
The fires erupted on January 7 and continue burn in areas like the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Eaton, Hurst and the Hollywood Hills. Strong Santa Ana winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles where there hasn’t been significant rainfall in over eight months. The fires have destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving an unknown number of people homeless. At one point, there were close to 200,000 people under evacuation notices (170,000 remain) as first responders battled the flames. According to JPMorgan, the total economic loss for the city could reach $50 billion and Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 62 square miles. Locals are bracing for further destruction as weather forecasts this week indicate that winds might pick up again.
The sports community, from teams to leagues, are rallying together to offer immediate assistance to local Angelenos. 12 pro sports teams – Angel City FC, the Angels, Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams and the Sparks – have pledged a combined donation of more than $8 million to support victims and first responders. Beneficiaries include the American Red Cross (ARC), California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, the LA Fire Department Foundation (LAFDF), World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and various local animal rescue organizations.
The teams, in partnership with their own foundations, have also joined forces with Fanatics and its Foundation to raise funds through an “LA Strong” merchandise campaign. Each team, along with other entities, has an LA Strong shirt or hoodie with all funds being donated directly to ARC and LAFDF. They have also pledged to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to displaced Angelenos. Alongside funding, teams are supporting or running events with their community partners to share public resources and distribute needed items and services, including personal hygiene products, school supplies and meals.
The National Football League (NFL) is providing $5 million to communities affected by the wildfires. Led by individual contributions from clubs, these funds will deliver vital resources to local organizations such as the LAFDF, the ARC and Team Rubicon, that are providing direct support. The league is also working closely with the ARC to provide shelter, food and supplies.
The LA Rams, led by the Kroenke Family, have pledged $1 million to LAFDF and have teamed up with the Chargers to support ARC and other relief organizations. In addition, both teams will wear custom LAFD hats and shirts at games, with proceeds going to wildfire relief. The Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the Bay Area Host Committee are also contributing $1 million each and the NFL Foundation is matching these donations.
Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have been equally active in relief efforts. The LA Dodgers and its Dodgers Foundation, known for their strong community engagement, have organized a fundraising campaign to benefit local first responders and families who have lost homes in the fire. The team has pledged to match up to $500,000 in donations, which will go directly to support evacuees and relief operations. Dodgers players have also supported relief efforts with Freddie Freeman and his wife Chelsea making multiple donations and the Chris Taylor Foundation working to raise money for the LAFDF.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has also mobilized its teams with the Lakers and Clippers uniting to support evacuees in the area. Players from both teams will volunteer at local shelters and organize distribution drives for food, water and other essentials. The NBA and the NBPA have donated $1 million to ARC, World Central Kitchen and other local organizations working on the ground in fire-ravaged communities.
National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are also stepping up. The LA Kings, in partnership with local fire departments, are organizing fundraising initiatives, including a limited-edition merchandise line featuring fire relief branding. The team has also pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from future games to the victims. Meanwhile, LA Galaxy and LAFC — the two major soccer teams in the region — are hosting joint charity events to aid in recovery. These include an upcoming charity match in which proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit those impacted by the fires.
Bay FC, the professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced their participation alongside the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Golden State Valkyries in the “Teaming Up for LA: Women’s Sports Supplies Drive.” The supplies-focused drive facilitated and organized by Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment and Always Alpha is accepting new and unused toiletries and cosmetics donations.
Beyond donations, the LA Department of Parks and Recreation (LADPR) is establishing care camps designed to assist families under mandatory evacuations, displaced due to the fires, or directly affected by the wildfires. The initiative launched on Monday creates a supportive space where children aged 5-12 can learn, play and thrive while parents focus on recovery efforts. Additionally, youth aged 13-17 can enjoy safe spaces to connect, engage and receive support during this challenging time. Details of can be found here.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren’t affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities and mental health support. They have also teamed up with the LA Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen. Some Boys and Girls Clubs in the LA region are extending their hours to provide support and shelter for youth and families. Participating clubs are offering safe spaces and distributing prepared meals and emergency child-care assistance.
While the fires continue to burn and the full extent of the damage remains to be seen, the sports community’s response is vital. As recovery efforts ramp up, these organizations and athletes are not only contributing funds but also providing much-needed emotional and physical support to the families and first responders on the frontlines.
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