L.A. Sports Teams Unite for Wildfire Relief with ‘L.A. Strong’ Campaign

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In response to the devastating wildfires ravaging Southern California, the Los Angeles sports community has launched the “L.A. Strong” campaign to support recovery efforts. The initiative, announced Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, features 16 local sports organizations, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and USC, collaborating to raise funds through merchandise sales.

The “L.A. Strong” logo appears on T-shirts and other products, with each item showcasing the logo of a participating team. Fanatics, the merchandise producer, has pledged to donate 100% of profits to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Additional products will be added to the collection in the coming weeks.

“My heart breaks as we all watch the horror continue to unfold across Los Angeles and completely upend so many lives,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin in a statement. “The devastation that these fires have caused is unthinkable. Many people I consider family, including our employees based there, have been directly affected, and our organization is rallying together to try and make a real impact as fast as possible.”

The wildfires, which have burned over 20,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area alone, have claimed 10 lives, damaged or destroyed more than 9,000 structures, and forced over 150,000 people to evacuate. The fires have also disrupted local sports events, including the postponement of Kings and Lakers games and the relocation of the Rams’ Monday night game to Glendale, Arizona.

In a show of solidarity, Boston‘s seven professional sports teams, including the Celtics, posted “LOVE L.A.” on social media, accompanied by a link to donate to Red Cross wildfire recovery funds. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour is still evaluating whether to proceed with next month’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.

The “L.A. Strong” campaign highlights the resilience of the Los Angeles community and the power of sports to unite people in times of crisis. Fans are encouraged to support the initiative by purchasing merchandise and contributing to relief efforts.