President Donald Trump is expected to meet with the commissioners of four major sports leagues to discuss celebrations marking the United States’s 250th birthday in July.
The NFL’s Roger Goodell, the NBA’s Adam Silver, the NHL’s Gary Bettman, and MLB’s Rob Manfred are likely set to speak with the president next week, according to The Athletic. The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump administration for comment but did not receive a reply.
The developments come as the White House has spurred a variety of sports-friendly initiatives to honor the semiquincentennial, including a UFC fight on the White House lawn in June. Trump, known for his love of sports, announced last month that the Patriot Games will also debut at the White House, touting the “unprecedented four-day athletic event” that will gather high school athletes from every state to Washington.
“I pledge to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4,” the president said in December.
The NFL announced in November that it will celebrate the semiquincentennial by using special commemorative footballs featuring an “America 250” logo during games, among other initiatives.
“The NFL is proud to participate in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary,” Goodell said. “The story of the NFL reflects the story of America, and the American spirit of resilience, innovation, and teamwork has helped football grow into a cultural pastime that unites us all. We are excited to honor our country’s history and celebrate our collective future.”
America250 is the entity created by Congress that is responsible for leading the country in celebrating 250 years of U.S. independence from British rule.
Freedom 250 is a parallel organization spearheaded by Trump to spur similar festivities, often centered on the White House.
AMERICA 250 TO INCLUDE ‘GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR’ AND UFC FIGHT AT HISTORIC DC VENUES
While they have worked in tandem, a watchdog group mounted a complaint last week alleging Freedom 250 unlawfully diverted at least $100 million in taxpayer funds “earmarked for America250.”
The Trump administration has vigorously denied such claims, with the Interior Department previously telling the Washington Examiner that legal provisions gave the White House ample leeway to work with Freedom 250.