Press Release

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Washington, D.C. – The Washington Wizards announced today that they have partnered with non-profit organization Learn Fresh to launch “Wizards Math Hoops” presented by KPMG LLP. This engaging educational program aims to help students across the District excel in mathematics.&nbsp; Wizards Math Hoops is free of charge to educators for the 2023-24 school year.

“KPMG, in collaboration with The Washington Wizards and Monumental Sports and Entertainment, is proud to support the NBA's commitment to teaching fundamental math and social-emotional learning through the game of basketball,” said Tim Gillis, KPMG Washington Metro Area Office. &nbsp;“As a leading professional services firm, we are committed to empowering young minds and fostering a passion for learning. Through its sponsorship with Math Hoops, KPMG is dedicated to creating educational opportunities that inspire students to excel in mathematics and beyond, paving the way for a brighter future.”&nbsp;

The program, designed for students in fourth to eighth grade, will be a localized version of NBA Math Hoops. This initiative combines the excitement of basketball, the fundamentals of math and social-emotional learning. The program also aims to create a highly engaging and interactive experience for its students to improve students’ math proficiency, critical-thinking skills and overall academic confidence.

Wizards Math Hoops will provide educators with a toolkit that includes:

Educators across the D.C. area interested in learning more about the Wizards Math Hoops program can attend an upcoming training on Wednesday, October 18. To register for the upcoming training, please visit https://www.nba.com/wizards/mathhoops.

Learn Fresh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences that empower educators and inspire students. Through community, play, and rigorous exploration, Learn Fresh programs leverage students’ passion for sports and entertainment to inspire their STEM and social-emotional learning. Learn Fresh programs focus on achieving equitable representation across the STEM pipeline for girls, students of color, and those living in low-income communities. To date, our programming has engaged nearly 800,000 students across the US and beyond.&nbsp; Programs include NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, STEM Goals, and the Fellowship For Culturally Inclusive Education. More information can be found at www.learnfresh.org.

KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 144 countries and territories and has more than 236,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity, and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.

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Washington Wizards Partner With Learn Fresh To Bring NBA Math Hoops To Washington, D.C. Students

Washington, D.C. – The Washington Wizards will recognize and honor former St. John’s High School basketball coach Pat Behan with a special “Behan Strong” shooting shirt on January 20 when the San Antonio Spurs come to Capital One Arena. The Wizards will also celebrate their second annual Basketball Day in the DMV that night.

The team will wear the custom “Behan Strong” shooting shirt (attached) to continue to raise awareness on Behan’s courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Behan was diagnosed with ALS in May 2022.

The shooting shirts worn by players will be auctioned off to raise money in Behan’s name, with all proceeds benefitting I AM ALS.

Behan has dedicated his life’s work to coaching high school boys’ basketball in the DMV area.&nbsp; In his six seasons as St. John’s High School men’s basketball head coach, he compiled a 127-51 record, sent 26 players to college programs, and won a Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) tournament championship last winter.

For more information on Coach Behan’s story, visit Behanstrong.com.

This season, the Wizards launched their “For the District” campaign, which serves as the team’s unifying slogan for the 2023-24 season. Throughout the season, the Wizards will recognize and honor organizations and individuals such as Pat Behan who bring pride to the District.

More information on Basketball Day in the DMV will be shared in the coming weeks.  For tickets visit washingtonwizards.com/tickets.

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Wizards to Honor and Recognize Pat Behan with "Behan Strong" Shooting Shirt

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Washington, D.C. –&nbsp;The Wizards are encouraging all students, teachers, and administrators who wish to work in professional sports to attend their annual Sports Career Day&nbsp;on Friday, February 24.&nbsp;

As part of the&nbsp;team’s Black History Month celebrations presented by Stackwell Capital, the digital investment platform created to eliminate the racial wealth gap, the Wizards will honor and celebrate the achievements, influence and talents of individuals and organizations from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area throughout the month of February as part of the “Our Community, Our History” campaign.

Middle school and high school students, teachers, administrators and chaperones with an interest in learning more about working in professional sports will get to learn from members of the Wizards management&nbsp;team. The annual event will include a sports business breakout panel session from 1:15-2:30 p.m. with Wizards Sr. Director, Marketing&nbsp;Cathy Jerome; VP of Sales and Service,&nbsp;Kameron Florence; Sr. Director of Suite Sales and Development,&nbsp;Greg Turner; Director of Suite Services,&nbsp;Rachel Northridge; Sr. Manager of Global Partnership Marketing,&nbsp;Allie Smith;&nbsp;and, Sr. Director of Ticket Sales,&nbsp;Carly Salerno. Those in attendance will also have the option of attending a college fair. Following the day’s activities, students will get to watch the Wizards in action when the New York Knicks come to Capital One Arena.

As part of the Sports Career panel, from 2:30-2:50 p.m., those in attendance will hear from&nbsp;Edwin Henderson,&nbsp;the grandson&nbsp;of&nbsp;Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B)&nbsp;Henderson, who is considered the ‘Grandfather of Black Basketball’ in Washington, D.C, on the history of Black basketball. Attendees will learn about the impact his grandfather, E.B. Henderson, had on the sport of basketball as well as Howard University’s basketball program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about Sports Career Day, and those interested in attending, can purchase tickets at&nbsp;https://fevo.me/40SZaIT.

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Wizards to host Sports Career Day on February 24th

Jackson Filyo

WASHINGTON, DC – The Washington Wizards announced today that they have signed Capital City Go-Go guard Quenton Jackson to a two-way contract.

Jackson, a 6-5, 173-pound rookie from Texas A&M, has appeared in 32 games this season for the Go-Go, averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on .489 shooting from the field. Jackson has scored 20-or-more points in five games this season, including a season-high 24 on two occasions. Four of Jackson’s five 20-point outings have come during the Go-Go’s last 17 regular season contests, where he has averaged 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game on .506 shooting from the field.

The Los Angeles native went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft before competing in Summer League, training camp and preseason with the Wizards.

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Wizards sign Quenton Jackson to two-way contract

Postponed Game at Detroit to be Moved to March 7 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Washington, D.C. –&nbsp;The NBA announced today that the Wizards’ postponed game against the Detroit Pistons will be rescheduled to Tuesday, March 7, with tipoff remaining at 7:00 p.m. ET.&nbsp;

To allow for the change, Washington’s game on Monday, March 6, vs. Milwaukee will be moved to Sunday, March 5, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The original game&nbsp;slated for Feb. 1&nbsp;was postponed due to severe weather conditions in the Dallas area&nbsp;that prevented&nbsp;the Pistons from flying back to Detroit.&nbsp;Both games will be aired on NBC Sports Washington.

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Wizards Schedule Update

Washington, D.C. – The Wizards will celebrate its inaugural Caribbean Heritage Night on Monday, February 6, when the team hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. &nbsp;

As part of the team’s Black History Month celebrations presented by Stackwell Capital, the digital investment platform created to eliminate the racial wealth gap, the Wizards will recognize and celebrate the achievements, influence and talents of individuals and organizations from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area throughout the month of February as part of the “Our Community, Our History” campaign.

As part of Caribbean Heritage Night, the Wizards will tip-off celebrations with a Bahamian junkanoo band performance on the concourse prior to the game. At halftime, Soka Tribe will entertain fans. Founded in 2015, Soka Tribe introduces people to Caribbean carnival culture through Soca dance fitness online classes, organized trips, public and private performances, extracurricular programming and engaging presentations.

Those in attendance will be treated to a video from H.E. Bocchit Edmond, Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to the U.S. In 1804, Haiti became the first free Black republic in the world and the first independent state in the Caribbean. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets at this LINK. Fans who purchase tickets through the link will receive a free Wizards’ Caribbean pride hat.

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Wizards to celebrate inaugural Caribbean Heritage Night

Feb. 3rd’s Friday Night Concert Series Presented by Sprite Features Rick Ross and Ja Rule

Washington, D.C. – The Washington Wizards will tip-off Black History Month with Heart Health Night presented by MedStar Health on Friday, February 3, when the Portland Trail Blazers come to Capital One Arena. Following the conclusion of the game, Rick Ross and Ja Rule will perform as part of the Wizards’ Friday Night Concert Series presented by Sprite.

As part of Heart Health Night presented by MedStar Health, the Wizards will honor two health care professionals on MedStar Health’s heart and vascular team who are making a difference in the DMV area. February 3rd also marks National Wear Red Day, with Wizards staff and personnel showing their support by dressing in red. In recognition of Heart Health Night, graphics will be displayed, and informational videos will be played to educate fans on the importance of heart health.

MedStar Health’s, Nana Afari-Armah, MD, an advanced heart failure cardiologist, and Kendra Lewin, RN, PCCN, a cardiology unit nursing director, will present the game ball before tip-off.

Various activations will take place throughout the game, including special recognition of MedStar Health clinicians and patients at halftime, as well as a heart health awareness t-shirt toss presented by MedStar Health. Fans will also get to watch a video of alums Phil Chenier and Michael Adams’ as they paid a visit to patients who recently had heart surgery at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Following the game, the Wizards will hold their final Friday Night Concert Series presented by Sprite. Rapper Rick Ross will take to the court for a performance featuring hits such as “Hustlin,” “Gold Roses” and “Aston Martin Music.” Rapper and actor Ja Rule will also perform.

Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets by visiting https://www.nba.com/wizards/tickets-2.

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Wizards tip off Black History Month with Heart Health Night presented by MedStar Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;As part of the team’s Black History Month celebration presented by Stackwell Capital, the digital investment platform created to eliminate the racial wealth gap, the Washington Wizards will recognize and celebrate the achievements, influence and talents of individuals and organizations from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area throughout the month of February as part of the “Our Community, Our History” campaign.&nbsp;

“We are excited to partner with the Wizards to celebrate Black History Month, and look forward to working together to bring critical support and resources to the Black community in Washington, D.C.,” said Stackwell founder and CEO&nbsp;Trevor Rozier-Byrd. “The ‘Our Community, Our History’ campaign is an excellent opportunity for us to honor our past, present, and future, and highlight ways we can empower more people to build generational wealth and best position themselves for financial freedom.”

Each of the five upcoming home games throughout the month of February will have a theme, and will highlight a specific industry, cause, or group. Each game’s theme will also be showcased on the team’s social media channels with digital features. The themes to be celebrated are health (Feb. 3 vs. Portland), Caribbean heritage (Feb. 6 vs. Cleveland), the arts (Feb. 8 vs. Charlotte), education and HBCU night (Feb. 11 vs. Indiana) and youth sports (Feb. 24 vs. New York).

Highlights from the Wizards’ Black History Month programming include:

The Wizards will celebrate Caribbean Heritage Night on Monday, February 6. As part of the celebration, a Bahamian junkanoo band will perform on the concourse prior to the game and&nbsp;Socca Tribe&nbsp;will entertain fans at the half.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets at&nbsp;https://fevo.me/wiz-caribbeanheritagenight23.&nbsp;Fans who purchase tickets&nbsp;through the link will receive a free Wizards’ Caribbean pride hat.&nbsp;

On Saturday, February 11,&nbsp;the team will celebrate the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities with HBCU night presented by Stackwell Capital. As part of their support of HBCU night, Stackwell Capital will host a pregame financial seminar from 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

A Divine 9 step show will entertain fans with a halftime performance and during the game the Wizards Dancers, along with special appearances from Howard University’s&nbsp;Oh La La! Dancers&nbsp;and Bowie State’s&nbsp;S.O.S Dancing D.I.V.A.’s., will perform to 2 Chainz’s “Money Maker” with homecoming-themed costumes.&nbsp;

As part of the team’s inaugural battle of the HBCU DJs, the winner will work the turntables during the game alongside Wizards entertainer DJ Heat.&nbsp;

With the purchase of a ticket through the following&nbsp;link, fans will receive a Wizards HBCU Pride co-branded hat. Five dollars from every ticket purchased through the&nbsp;link&nbsp;will also be donated to the DC HBCU Alumni Alliance.

Fans should come wearing their school colors, best Divine 9 apparel and show HBCU pride&nbsp;to turn&nbsp;Capital One Arena into a homecoming celebration.

For the third consecutive year, the Wizards will support Black-Owned DMV, presented by Capital One, a campaign that highlights the importance of Black-owned businesses in the Washington metropolitan area.

Throughout the month of February, the Wizards’ Black-Owned DMV program will highlight the&nbsp;Dance Institute of Washington(DIW). DIW is the leading, longstanding minority-led dance equity organization in the DMV area. During the game on Wednesday, February 8, versus the Charlotte Hornets, DIW dancers will perform. For more information on the Dance Institute of Washington, click&nbsp;here.

For the second consecutive year, the Washington Wizards are hosting an essay contest for high school students. Partnering with the&nbsp;Greater Washington Urban League, the contest honors Dr. Edwin Bancroft (E.B) Henderson, a sports historian, educator, administrator, coach, athlete, and civil rights activist known as the 'Grandfather of Black Basketball' in Washington, D.C.

The contest, open to all high school seniors attending eligible schools within a 75-mile radius, will run through February 1, 2023, with the winners being announced at a Wizards home game during Black History Month. To celebrate and honor Dr. E.B. Henderson’s passion for education and his pursuit for equal rights, participants will submit a 350-word essay describing their passion and goals for the future and what one of the biggest challenges they will face in pursuing their dreams.&nbsp;

Essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman&nbsp;Ted Leonsis, the Washington Post’s&nbsp;Lauren Lumpkin,&nbsp;Washington Wizards forward&nbsp;Anthony Gill&nbsp;and E.B. Henderson’s grandson,&nbsp;Edwin Henderson. The top three essay winners will win a monetary scholarship towards their continued education or college of their choice. The grand prize winner will receive $3,000, the second-place winner will receive $2,000 and the third-place finisher will receive $1,000 courtesy of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, with Leonsis matching the foundation’s prize earnings. Winners will also be recognized in-game on February 24 when the Wizards host the New York Knicks as well as on all Wizards’ digital platforms.