by Shanique Yates
May 24, 2024
The NFL announced the rollout of NFL Source, which aims to set the standard for how the NFL and its partners support underrepresented businesses locally and nationally throughout the year.
The National Football League (NFL) is expanding its current efforts to provide privately owned businesses in disadvantaged communities with access to tools and resources that allow them to benefit from games hosted by teams within its sports franchises.
In a news release Black Enterprise, The NFL announced the rollout of NFL Source, an evolution of the league’s supplier diversity initiative aimed at setting the standard for how the NFL and its partners support work with underrepresented businesses locally and nationally throughout the year.
“NFL Source provides the NFL an opportunity to reinvest funds in the communities where our clubs and offices are located and provide greater exposure to businesses,” said Jonathan Bean, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “Doing business with the NFL provides unparalleled exposure for businesses and increases mobility in local economies.”
For more than a decade, the league made a conscious decision to focus on inclusive, event-based suppliers, working with the Super Bowl Hosting Committee on programs like Emerging Business and Business Connect, which focus on subcontracting spending opportunities for the major event.
“Embracing the NFL’s expanded supplier diversity program aligns with our vision to continue to elevate and provide opportunities for local, diverse businesses,” said Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank. “The Falcons have been and continue to work diligently with the league toward the official launch of NFL Source.”
The NFL also announced a new partnership with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. to help businesses across the country obtain the certification they need to do business alongside the league.
“Supplier diversity is about recognizing the value of local supply chains and small businesses that are the foundation of America’s economy,” said Talisha Becavak, vice president of the United States Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). “USBC remains committed to partnering with organizations like the NFL to continue creating wealth and economic mobility for Black communities through entrepreneurship.”
NFL Source is committed to supporting the aforementioned companies by providing a pathway to visibility and access to NFL procurement groups. By providing league procurement stakeholders at the club and front office levels, the program provides the tools, process and guidance to execute an equitable procurement program.
The phased rollout of NFL Source will include training sessions and adoption by all procurement officers within the league beginning in June 2024, distribution of a Supplier Diversity Playbook to all clubs that decide to participate in the program by September 2024, and mandatory adoption of the program at major NFL events by participating host clubs and local organizing committees.
