The National Football League has announced a new initiative called NFL Source, which aims to help teams work with more minority- and women-owned companies. The initiative is designed to standardize how the NFL and its partners support working with underrepresented businesses locally and nationally, year-round. NFL Source will expand the league’s procurement efforts and increase access for underrepresented businesses, providing them with the opportunity to compete for and win viable contracts. The goal is to drive economic impact locally and nationally across the league and its clubs, creating equitable processes for businesses that may not have had access before.
Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated that NFL Source will help the league reinvest funds back into the communities where clubs and offices are located. By doing business with the NFL, these businesses will gain exposure and boost local economic mobility. The league will assist teams in finding partners that are majority-owned by minorities, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or veterans. Beane emphasized that being involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion leads to higher productivity, better business solutions, more innovation, and increased creativity.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed support for the initiative and the league’s commitment to uplifting and providing opportunities to local and diverse businesses. The Falcons, along with other teams, will work alongside the league to launch NFL Source and continue supporting supplier diversity. The official adoption of the initiative follows controversial remarks made by a player at a college commencement. The league condemned the comments and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion, stating that the player’s views were not reflective of the NFL as an organization.
In addition to partnering with local businesses, the NFL will also collaborate with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc to help these businesses obtain the certifications needed to do business with the league. This partnership will further support underrepresented businesses and align with the league’s vision to provide opportunities to diverse businesses. The NFL remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as these values are seen as foundational to the strength of the league. By working with a variety of partners and organizations, the NFL aims to foster an environment of inclusivity and support for all businesses, regardless of their backgrounds or ownership.
Overall, NFL Source represents a significant step forward in the league’s efforts to support minority- and women-owned businesses. The initiative seeks to provide increased opportunities and exposure for underrepresented businesses, helping them compete for contracts and contribute to local and national economic growth. By partnering with diverse businesses and organizations, the NFL is reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and supporting a more equitable marketplace. Through collaborations with local chambers of commerce and other partners, the league is creating pathways for underrepresented businesses to thrive and succeed in the NFL procurement process.
