Wildfires have burned in Los Angeles since January 7, destroying thousands of acres of homes and businesses in the city. The threat of fire prompted organizers to move the NFC wild-card game from SoFi Stadium to Arizona this week, and life has come to a standstill for many of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
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Wildfires have burned in Los Angeles since January 7, destroying thousands of acres of homes and businesses in the city. The threat of fire prompted organizers to move the NFC wild-card game from SoFi Stadium to Arizona this week, and life has come to a standstill for many of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
In response, The NFL Foundation, apparel company Fanatics and 12 other sports teams in the Los Angeles area are donating money to support the organizations helping families affected by the fires.
The NFL Foundation, led by ownership groups including the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans, is donating $5 million to local organizations. Some of these organizations include the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Other Los Angeles-based sports teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Galaxy and Kings are donating a combined $8 million to similar organizations. In a statement they said, “Together and individually, the sports franchises of Los Angeles recognize the importance of being present for the communities who have supported them so strongly.”Â
The 12 pro sports teams in Los Angeles are coming together to donate more than $8 million to support victims of fires pic.twitter.com/ozxheElbvP
— Law Murray 🔜 (@LawMurrayTheNU) January 13, 2025
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lost his own home in the fire, said, “We are committed as ever to Los Angeles. We recognize it’s not just our community that has been impacted by this. We’re committed to helping people as much as we can and we’re going to do that.”
Dean Spanos, owner of the Chargers, echoed Redick’s sentiment, “The displays of heroism from first responders and residents alike in the face of these devastating wildfires has been remarkable. Our hearts are with the tens of thousands of Angelenos who have been displaced, the firefighters of the LAFD and departments from around the state who have tirelessly fought to prevent loss of life and property, the police officers keeping us safe and informed, and all those among us who have stepped up to assist one another in this incredible time of need."
According to The Athletic, the apparel company Fanatics is also donating $3 million worth of apparel to residents who have evacuated their homes. The apparel and other items will be passed out to fans in the evacuated zip codes on Friday, January 17 at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.
For those wishing to support victims of the wildfires, Fanatics has partnered with the local teams to create “LA Strong” merchandise. All proceeds from this merchandise will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. Fans can also visit the American Red Cross NFL donation page to individually contribute toward these efforts: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/nfl.html/
