If NBA owners decided the presidential election, Mitt Romney would probably win in a tight race. If players and coaches were the ones casting the votes, however, it wouldn't even be close.
Using data from OpenSecrets.org, HoopsHype compiled a list of the 74 donors who had some affiliation to the NBA. Barack Obama received 42 of the donations ($128,145) while Mitt Romney took in the other 32 ($118,500).
But every single player or coach who donated chose Obama, while ownership and NBA executives were split.
Notable players and coaches who donated to Obama include Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony ($5,000), Mavericks guard Vince Carter ($5,000), Knicks guard Baron Davis ($5,000), Hawks coach Larry Drew ($500), Celtics coach Doc Rivers ($5,000) and Clippers forward Grant Hill ($5,000).
Notable owners and executives who donated to Romney include New York Knicks owner James Dolan ($5,000), Miami Heat president Pat Riley ($5,000), Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey ($2,500), Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis ($5,000) and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert ($5,000). These men have followed the trend of sports owners across the country, who generally prefer Romney to Obama.
Interestingly, despite some trash talking last week, NBA commissioner David Stern donated $5,000 to Obama's campaign. Apparently Stern thinks better of the president's governing than he does Obama's game.
For the entire list, see here.
(H/T to Game On!)