THE 76ERS ARE TEAMING UP WITH EASTSIDE GOLF AND ZENITH WEALTH PARTNERS TO HELP SELECT THIS YEAR’S WINNER AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BUSINESS SUPPORT.
The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that its Buy Black Program is now accepting applications through Feb. 21. Business owners interested in applying can visit Sixers.com/community/buy-black to learn more.
The Buy Black Program, which first began in the 2021-22 season has received more than 600 applications from local Black-owned businesses. Selected businesses have seen incredible success from participating in the program, including SPERGO, a business that later became a winner on ABC’s Shark Tank.
“We are proud to launch our Buy Black Program for the third year and join two incredibly talented black-owned businesses to help us promote and support this year’s winner,” said David Gould, 76ers Chief Diversity and Impact Officer. “Over the past few years, we’ve made a concerted effort to create programs that amplify diverse Philadelphia businesses and this year’s Buy Black program is a prime example of that continuing commitment.”
This year’s selected business will have the opportunity to partner with the 76ers for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season and into the 23-24 season. While the strategy for each business will be determined based on their specific needs, the 76ers understand the importance of building custom marketing plans for the selected business and helping develop it into a company that thrives in the Philadelphia community and beyond.
In addition to a custom marketing plan, the selected business will receive free advertising across the team’s social and digital platforms, custom created content, radio spots on 97.5 the Fanatic, and other opportunities. New this year, the 76ers have teamed up with Eastside Golf, a Black-owned sports apparel company and Zenith Wealth Partners, who will not only help select the winner, but also provide mentorship and networking opportunities.
"Partnering with the 76ers for the Buy Black Program is another example of how Eastside Golf continues to show there are no limits to what can be done when people come together with the same goal,” said Earl Cooper, Co-Founder, Eastside Golf. “We are a sports brand rooted in golf, but our missions align when it comes to building and supporting the Black community."
Led by Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and in continuance of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s $20 million commitment to racial equity, the 76ers Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide entrepreneurs with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, and additional tools to succeed.
“Our firm wins when Black business wins. We are excited to partner with the Sixers on the Buy Black Program to mobilize and uplift Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia,” said Jason Ray, Founder and Investment Director, Zenith Wealth Partners. “This partnership provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our value to Black founders and entrepreneurs.”
Philadelphia is filled with a great diversity of innovative entrepreneurs and the 76ers are committed to including them throughout its business and brand. This focus extends to all assets of the company, whether it be its plans for a new arena in Center City, marketing platforms such as Buy Black or Spirit of Small Business, or through day-to-day business operations.