Historic wildfires destroyed large swaths of the greater Los Angeles area earlier this month, forcing hundreds of thousands of evacuations and unfathomable loss. In this period of grief, the whole of LA — including its sports teams — came together to pitch in towards relief efforts both small and large.
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January 2025, the city’s 12 major sports teams came together to donate a total of $8 million in relief funds for those affected.
On the list of participating teams are Angel City FC, LAFC, and LA Galaxy, Los Angeles’ premier soccer clubs.
In addition to the large donation sum, all 12 teams have partnered with Fanatics to distribute $3 million worth of merchandise to people who have been evacuated from their homes. Also with Fanatics, the teams created “LA Strong” t-shirts, available in each team’s logos and colors. Proceeds go directly to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation.
Additionally, the three LA soccer clubs have hosted their own donation drives and distribution events to provide fire victims with everything from hygiene kits to school supplies.
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On January 17, LAFC and Angel City FC, along with several other LA pro teams, hosted a recovery resource fair at BMO Stadium, which distributed essential supplies, mental health and legal counseling, and various activities to even briefly take people’s minds off the vast destruction from the fires. Similar drives were held at SoFi Stadium and Dodger Stadium as well.
According to a release on their website, LAFC will be donating match proceeds and a portion of their CONCACAF Champions Cup revenue to fire relief efforts, and will have a donation drive at each upcoming CCC match.
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Earlier in the week, LA Galaxy put on a donation drive at Dignity Health Sports Park, in which the club helped collect and distribute water, food, hygiene products, baby essentials, masks, and other items for affected families.
Both LA Galaxy and LAFC foundations have also made contributions to various aid and volunteer organizations.
It’s often in times of hardship and tragedy in which communities come together the closest, and we’ve seen that across Los Angeles over the past few weeks, from individuals pitching in to volunteer and donate, to large scale efforts like the “LA Strong” initiative.
“We just have to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible tragedy that our city has faced,” said Willow Bay, Angel City FC Controlling Owner. “As so many look to rebuild in the coming weeks and months ahead, it’s important that you all know that Angel City will play a meaningful role in supporting our community, and we’ll do that through our partner-supported give back programs and of course our community outreach efforts.
“We’ve already been working closely with the LA Fire Department Foundation, as well as LA Recreation and Parks and other outreach organizations. We are part of this community. We care deeply about this community, and we will be here for the long haul.”
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While fires have popped up in and around the Los Angeles area for the past few weeks, the two major fires, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have caused the most damage thus far. Gusting Santa Ana wind propelled flames across dry fodder and leveled the areas of the Pacific Palisades and its surrounding beach sides, while the mountainside community of Altadena suffered similar destructive forces. Among the many families and establishments impacted, Altadena also saw the loss of several historic homes and landmarks as well as dozens of locally owned businesses.
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For ACFC and LAFC, the Palisades Fire particularly impacted captains Ali Riley and Calos Vela. Riley’s parents’ home was completely destroyed by the flames, while Vela lost his home in Malibu.
During a press conference for the opening of the Angel City Performance Center, Riley noted the juxtaposition of emotions she felt, having lost her childhood home in the fires but also feeling so grateful for the support and opportunities ahead.
“It’s been a hard couple of weeks, but I’m so grateful and so happy to be here,” said Riley. “The support that this community has given me and my family and the city is overwhelming, and again that is what I will feel every day in this facility with this new start, and the rebuild that this club has done and what my family and the city will also be doing, so thank you.”
