Genentech Sponsors MBA’s Memorial Day Weekend Finals Tournament in Philadelphia

350 Military Athletes Compete May 23-25 in Support of Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 23, 2025 – Leading biotechnology company Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2025 Military Basketball Association (MBA) season, including the Finals tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Around 350 soldiers and veterans from military installations across the United States will compete while raising awareness on mental health and suicide prevention at Temple University May 23-25. At the pinnacle of the three-day tournament, the men’s and women’s championship games will air live on Sunday, May 25 in a nationally televised broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m. EDT at Temple University's Liacouras Center, and the men’s game tips off at 8 p.m. EDT. Philadelphians can watch the games in-person free of charge.   

The MBA Finals take place during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Retired Army Major Mike Meyers founded the non-profit Military Basketball Association in 2017 to fight the stigma of mental health issues, build resiliency, and provide an outlet for the trauma associated with military service. A year-round tournament league, the MBA supports nearly 1,000 varsity-level athletes, both veteran and active-duty military, on 50 teams across the United States, Europe and Asia. Genentech’s sponsorship includes year-round brand visibility and meaningful community engagement through live events, broadcast and amplified via national, local, and digital platforms.   

“The Military Basketball Association has created a powerful platform for supporting and advancing mental and physical wellbeing for our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members,” said J.P. Sacksteder, a veteran and senior director of Patient Advocacy Relations at Genentech. “Building on our sponsorship of last year’s championship game, we’re proud to expand our support across the full 2025 season – supporting efforts that align with our commitment to improving the lives of people facing serious health challenges, including those who have served our country.”   

Through various awareness initiatives throughout the season, Genentech is sharing essential health resources addressing topics that disproportionately impact veterans, including lung cancer, diabetic eye disease and multiple sclerosis. 

"The Military Basketball Association is honored to have the support and partnership of Genentech. As the title sponsor for the 2025 MBA Finals in Philadelphia, Genentech is taking the lead in the health and wellbeing of so many military veterans around the world. On behalf of the MBA players and coaches, we salute their support and thank them for caring for our nation's heroes," said Meyers, commissioner of the MBA.  

The Genentech sponsorship also supports Town Hall discussions to elevate conversations around the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. Members of the media are invited to attend a Town Hall, titled “Leveraging Sports Leagues to Reduce Suicides and Harmful Thoughts,” leading into the championship games at 4 p.m. on May 25 in the Fox Gillis room at Temple University’s Liacouras Center. 

“Without the support of Genentech, the Eastern and Western Conference Finals would not have been such a huge success. The Military Basketball Association is truly excited to be in this partnership with Genentech moving forward,” said Angel “Ace” Acevedo, a retired U.S. Army first sergeant and deputy commissioner of the MBA.   

This collaborative sponsorship leverages the unifying power of sports to elevate health education and strengthen community connections, reflecting Genentech’s and the MBA’s shared commitment to improve health outcomes for all. 

"The Military Basketball Association Operations is beyond excited to partner with Genentech. The support amplifies Genentech’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and military members serving our great nation,” said Albert Mayon, the MBA’s president of basketball operations. 

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About MBA
Military Basketball Association (MBA) prevents veteran suicide by utilizing sports to reestablish the camaraderie soldiers experienced while serving, bridging the loneliness and lack of community that can spawn thoughts of self-harm, and showcasing the military athlete to bring awareness to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and the invisible wounds associated with military service. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017, MBA supports nearly 1,000 varsity-level athletes on 50 teams around the world. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: 
Military Basketball Association: Melissa Garcia, communicationsdirector@mymbaglobal.com, 720-618-7089