Partners with Objective Zero Foundation to champion Military and Veteran mental well-being

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/13/2026

MILITARY BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH OBJECTIVE ZERO FOUNDATION TO CHAMPION MILITARY AND VETERAN MENTAL WELL-BEING

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Military Basketball Association (MBA) today announced a significant partnership with the Objective Zero Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to combating military and veteran suicide. This collaboration will bring vital mental health and wellness support to participants of the 2026 MLK Tournament, President's Day Weekend Tournament, and the 2026 MBA Playoffs.

MBA Commissioner Mike Meyers expressed profound enthusiasm for the alliance, stating, "The Military Basketball Association is extremely proud to announce the support and partnership of Objective Zero Foundation. As many of you know, Suicide Prevention is near and dear to my heart. We have to do everything we can to prevent the harmful behaviors in the Veteran Community."

Commissioner Meyers highlighted Objective Zero's impactful approach, which utilizes peer support and readily accessible mental health and wellness resources. He noted that his introduction to the foundation by Ian McDuffie from Amazon Military, and a subsequent meeting with Betsey Mercado, solidified his belief that their "vision and missions aligned to make a difference."

Through this partnership, MBA's military athletes will gain access to resources and develop skills essential for supporting their mental health and well-being. "We cannot wait to work together in support of our Military and Veterans," Meyers added. "Our military athletes will get to utilize the skills necessary to connect and support their mental health and well-being. Can't wait to get started and look forward to the many ways we can collaborate on saving lives!"

The Objective Zero Foundation is dedicated to combating military and veteran suicide through a connected community of peer support and access to mental health and wellness resources, powered by technology. Its mission is to prevent suicide by enhancing social connectedness and access to vital resources.

"We believe veteran suicide can be prevented through the simple act of listening," said Chris Mercado, Objective Zero Co-Founder. The foundation's vision is to achieve "Functional Zero" – the point at which a person’s military service or connection to the military is no longer a distinguishing factor in suicide. To achieve this, Objective Zero fosters a supportive community where service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers can connect, find resources, and access life-saving tools and training.

This partnership underscores both organizations' commitment to fostering resilience, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing mental wellness within the military and veteran community.

About the Military Basketball Association (MBA) The MBA is a national organization dedicated to promoting resilience, teamwork, and mental wellness among active-duty service members and veterans through competitive basketball. For more information, visit mymbaglobal.com.

About the Objective Zero Foundation The Objective Zero Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to combating military and veteran suicide. Through a technologically-powered platform, it connects service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers with peer support, mental health and wellness resources, aiming for a future where military service is no longer a factor in suicide. Learn more at objectivezero.org

Media Contact: 

Military Basketball Association

Christopher Adell

digital_media@mymbaglobal.com

914-364-3574