Award highlights the nearly $4.5M donated in 2024 by Monumental’s company, foundation and teams, along with the Leonsis Family
Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2025) – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) was honored today by Washington Business Journal as one of the Washington D.C. area’s Top Corporate Philanthropists for 2025, ranking 14 out of 30 companies of similar size on the list. In the 2024 calendar year, MSE contributed nearly $4.5 million to charitable organizations and causes thanks to the generosity of the Leonsis Family, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), Monumental’s teams, and MSE’s corporate office.
In honor of the award, MSE announced the launch of the District of Play youth sports initiative’s second year, as well as a donation from the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation to the Capital Area Food Bank.
“Monumental Sports is proud to launch year two of our multi-million-dollar District of Play program. Together with our teams, staff, and partners, we’ll build and refurbish courts and rinks, provide equipment and scholarships, grow girls’ sports, and spotlight D.C.’s young athletes on Monumental Sports Network,” said Monica Dixon, President of External Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Our foundation will also donate $25,000 to Capital Area Food Bank in honor of this award. We are immensely grateful to the Washington Business Journal for this recognition and the opportunity to further inspire change across the District.”
Monumental has historically supported philanthropic efforts across a multitude of topic areas, from educational initiatives and programs benefitting members of the military to efforts addressing health-related issues and initiatives benefitting local youth. In 2024, MSE completed more than nearly 2,000 volunteer hours in the community and contributed millions in grants and in-kind donations to non-profit organizations.
Notable initiatives included the full-staff effort to host DC CAP’s College Signing Day at Capital One Arena, an organization chaired by Ted Leonsis, where thousands of students from the DMV celebrated their commitment to diverse educational paths—whether pursuing four-year universities, community colleges, certificate programs, or military service—signaling a pivotal moment in their academic journeys.
Additionally, MSE partnered with MedStar to refresh two MedStar Kids Mobile Medical Clinics, now proudly adorned with MSE’s sports team logos. This investment ensures that the clinics may continue their crucial mission of providing high-quality, accessible primary care to children and adolescents in Washington, D.C.’s most under-served neighborhoods, delivering essential medical services directly to the heart of the community.
In September 2024, MSE debuted the multi-year, multi-million-dollar District of Play youth sports initiative. The program aims to create positive and accessible spaces for youth to play, grow, and develop lifelong skills in sports, all while engaging parents, coaches, and local communities. The initiative includes dozens of programs and commitments, including a recently-announced Girls Empowerment Program and the 2025 District Dribble campaign that distributed 29,000 basketballs to PreK – 5th students across D.C.
Throughout 2024, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation donated nearly $1.4 million in grants for nonprofits, rallying MSE’s teams and fans to amplify the efforts of community change agents. Each season, MSE fans contribute through 50/50 raffles at Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics games, both in the arena and online, fueling the foundation’s mission.
The highlight of the organization’s annual efforts is the KABOOM! Playground build—a dynamic event where Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics players, Monumental Sports Network talent, and MSE staff come together to construct a state-of-the-art playground designed by the community in an often-neglected neighborhood. This playground, built with passion and teamwork, serves as a vibrant space that enriches the lives of hundreds of children each year.
“At Monumental, we recognize that our impact in the D.C. area can go much further than the teams and venues we own, reaching deeply into the communities around us,” said Elizabeth Pace, President and Executive Director of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF). “Our Founder and CEO Ted Leonsis’ vision for MSE to operate with a double bottom line has been foundational to our approach in supporting the community, and we are grateful to be recognized by the Washington Business Journal for this commitment.”
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at: www.monumentalfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
