Orlando Magic Join Universidad Ana G. Méndez for First-Ever NBA Partnership in Puerto Rico
Magic and Universidad Ana G. Méndez partnership to offer promotions and opportunities to fans in both Puerto Rico and Central Florida
Orlando, Fla. (August 30, 2023) — The Orlando Magic and Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) are extending their partnership from Central Florida to include the Puerto Rican market, a first for any NBA team. In celebration of the announcement, the two hosted a basketball clinic on Aug. 30 with Magic Assistant Coach Lionel Chalmers, Magic Community Ambassador and former Magic player Nick Anderson, STUFF the Magic Mascot, Magic and Universidad Ana G. Méndez executives and local youth. As partners for the last five years, the two will also offer additional surprises and promotions in the territory of Puerto Rico.
“We are excited to announce this extension with Universidad Ana G. Méndez, as the first Magic partnership to include strategies we’ll bring to life together in Puerto Rico,” said Orlando Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. “Once the NBA opened opportunities for team partnerships in Puerto Rico, we knew our partners at Universidad Ana G. Méndez would be the first partnership to launch there. Given how connected Central Florida and Puerto Rico are, it’s a natural extension for us to have a more formal presence in Puerto Rico. As we continue to build on those strategies, we anticipate marketing partners playing a big role. “
As an already established academic institution in Puerto Rico featuring 11 campus locations, Universidad Ana G. Méndez, and the Magic look to reach this important and growing fan base in the U.S. territory. Some of the opportunities and promotions to celebrate the expanded partnership include a Magic basketball camp at Universidad Ana G. Méndez Cupey Campus in Puerto Rico along with an in-market promotion offering a trip for two to Orlando to see a Magic game during the 2023-24 season.
The city of Orlando has the second largest Puerto Rican population in the country with approximately 180,000 Puerto Ricans calling Orlando home. In addition, Orlando has the largest and fastest-growing Puerto Rican population in Florida with a cultural impact similar to that of Cuban Americans in South Florida, per World Population View.
“Universidad Ana G. Méndez has stood out throughout its history for not only a commitment to academic excellence but also the great significance of its sports teams. Our alliance with the
Orlando Magic creates the perfect fit to continue building pride around the university both in the classroom and through our sports. Through this first-of-its-kind marketing partnership, we reaffirm our institution's commitment to providing exciting opportunities for our students and basketball fans across Puerto Rico.”, said José F. Méndez, president of the institution.
Other aspects of the expanded partnership include increased UAGM signage at Magic home games, supporting partner of the Magic’s Noche Latina, branded social media campaign targeted in Puerto Rico and rights to use the Magic marks and logo in the Puerto Rican market.
Since its inception in 1989, the Magic has been committed to its diverse community and has instituted a variety of initiatives to reach its multicultural fan base throughout Central Florida. Under the leadership of Magic CEO Alex Martins, the Magic created multicultural insights focus in 2008 and in 2020 announced a Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and efforts surrounding the expansion of that department. The team’s goal is to create an inclusive environment in which community partners, fans and employees feel welcome, valued, and appreciated.
ABOUT UNIVERSIDAD ANA G. MENDEZ
Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) is an accredited, not-for-profit institution of higher education that encompasses three main campuses and eight university centers in Puerto Rico. UAGM is part of Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez, that also operates the Ana G. Méndez University (AGMU) in the state of Florida, with campus in Orlando, Tampa and South Florida and an Online campus. AGMU fosters comprehensive education through a competency-based approach for the benefit of the Hispanic and international community. UAGM and AGMU promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, research, as well as appreciation and respect for diversity. Its resources support post-secondary, undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education offerings, framed within the highest quality standards. Both institutions are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
ABOUT THE ORLANDO MAGIC
Orlando's NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic's mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning six division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $29 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 34 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, 2021 G League champions; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Amway Center, honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ 2013 Customer Experience Award, and named SportsBusiness Journal's 2012 Sports Facility of the Year. For ticket information, visit OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC
