Sports

PGA Tour, Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and Master Card Extend Relationship To Enhance Experiences for Fans

Published

4 years ago

March 2, 2023

Ponte Vedra Beach and Orlando, Florida and Purchase, New York – Today, Mastercard, The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and the PGA TOUR announced a multi-year extension to their longstanding sponsorship. Mastercard will maintain title sponsorship of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, remain the “Official Payment System of the PGA TOUR” and continue its impactful work with the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.

Dating back to 1995, the PGA TOUR and Mastercard will continue to provide Mastercard cardholders with access to select PGA TOUR tournaments and properties, as well as Priceless® Experiences at these events. Mastercard cardholders will also enjoy exclusive access to a new ticket portal, powered by Mastercard’s Click to Pay, where they can purchase tickets to more than 20 tournaments across the 2022-23 PGA TOUR season at a preferred price.

“The passion for sports is universal,” said Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. “Our longstanding sponsorship of the PGA TOUR provides us a platform to connect this passion to purpose with the next generation of fans, all through our shared love of golf. We are honored to continue working together in support of Mr. Palmer’s unparalleled vision for a better world.”

Mastercard’s relationship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational began in 2004, and over the years the well-aligned pairing has helped to raise millions of dollars for children and families in the Orlando area and beyond.

“We are excited about Mastercard’s commitment to the PGA TOUR and continued support of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a celebration of Mr. Palmer’s legacy as a caretaker of our game,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Thanks to Mastercard, the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and the Arnold Palmer Invitational have raised tens of millions for families all over the world. We are grateful to have Mastercard’s backing as we continue to recognize Mr. Palmer’s place in history and his passion for helping others.”

One of the PGA TOUR’s designated events in 2023, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, is among three player-hosted invitationals. Along with The Genesis Invitational (hosted by Tiger Woods) and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (hosted by Jack Nicklaus), they reflect the greatest names in golf history. The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard awards a $20 million purse, a three-year PGA TOUR exemption and 550 FedExCup points to the winner.

At this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, cardholders can take advantage of a host of exclusive Priceless® Experiences, including:

Access to the Mastercard Club and experience a multi-sensory brand showcase.
Chance to play the Mastercard Mountain Valley CC course in PGA TOUR 2K23.
Use a golf swing analysis and Mastercard’s Dynamic Yield solution for personalized club fitting.
Experience the tournament’s first Small Business Marketplace, presented by Capital One Business, featuring two local food vendors and Capital One Business cardholders, Mi Apa Latin Café and DF Bakery. Each will receive a financial grant, Mastercard’s Digital Doors toolkit, mentorship sessions and Tap to Pay technology to help them digitize their operations.

The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Invitational host organization, was created to honor its namesakes’ legacy in the game of golf and beyond, including in philanthropy. Committed to children’s health, youth character development and nature-focused wellness, the Foundation and tournament support numerous important efforts, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando; redevelopment of the city’s Lake Lorna Doone Park; the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Mr. Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; and numerous other efforts nationwide.

“No matter where my parents lived, they were committed to helping their communities and providing opportunities for the next generation,” said Amy Palmer Saunders, Chair Emeritus of the Foundation. “My dad believed in teamwork and in the good that golf can do. This sponsorship is an example of both and represents a strong and effective commitment to extending my parents’ legacy.”

Recognized as golf’s greatest ambassador, Arnold Palmer was the long-time host of the tournament, which moved to Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando in 1979. The tournament officially adopted his name in its title in 2007. The tournament continues to honor the legacy of Palmer, who passed away on September 25, 2016, at the age of 87.

Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

Published

4 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

Published

10 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.

ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.

Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips

Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.

The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.

“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”

Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts

The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.

Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.

“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Exercise Team Options on Jase Richardson, Tristan Da Silva

Published

10 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic Tristan da Silva. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Magic Keep Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva Under Contract Through 2027-28

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have exercised their third-year team option on guard Jase Richardson and fourth-year team option on forward Tristan da Silva, keeping both players under contract through the 2027-28 season.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced the moves. Financial terms were not disclosed, per team policy.

Richardson builds on rookie season

Richardson appeared in 54 games during his rookie season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.9 minutes per game, according to the team.

He scored in double figures seven times, including a career-high 20 points against Washington on Jan. 6. He also scored six points in his lone playoff appearance.

Before joining Orlando, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists during his freshman season at Michigan State in 2024-25. He shot 41.2% from 3-point range and earned third-team All-Big Ten and conference all-freshman honors while helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.

Richardson wears No. 11.

Da Silva provides scoring and shooting

Da Silva played in 77 games, including 34 starts, last season. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.7 minutes per game, shooting 37.4% from 3-point range and 88.4% from the free-throw line.

He scored in double figures 38 times and reached 20 points five times, including a career-high 26 against Washington on March 12. In seven playoff appearances, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Orlando selected da Silva with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Through two seasons, he has appeared in 151 regular-season games, including 72 starts, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

The Germany native played four seasons at Colorado, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022-23 and second-team recognition in 2023-24. He wears No. 23.