// 2025 CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP IMPACT REPORT 10 11 THE V FOUNDATION In 2025, ESPN continued its decades-long commitment to achieving Victory Over Cancer® by activating its platforms, talent and partnerships to raise funds, elevate stories and drive action. 2025 OVERVIEW V Week set the tone early in the fiscal year, delivering one of the most successful fundraising periods in recent history. Integrated storytelling across SportsCenter, College GameDay, studio shows, radio and digital platforms drove increased donor participation, higher average gift size and sustained engagement throughout the year. As a multi-platform platform sports entity offering robust storytelling, ESPN recognizes we can lean into our content and bring fans together to fundraise for the V Foundation by pairing cultural moments with clear calls to action—with 100% of funds raised going toward cancer research. The effort was further strengthened by strong league and advertiser participation, highlighted by Principal joining as a new umbrella sponsor, underscoring growing industry support and shared commitment to impact. Jimmy V Classic Established in 1995, the Jimmy V Classic is one of college basketball’s premier events dedicated to honoring the legacy of Jim Valvano and his courageous fight against cancer. Created through a partnership between ESPN and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the annual doubleheader brings together elite college basketball programs while raising critical funds and awareness for cancer research. Since its inception, the Jimmy V Classic has become a powerful platform to celebrate Valvano’s enduring message of hope, perseverance, and the belief that “cancer research is the way to beat this disease,” helping generate millions of dollars to advance groundbreaking scientific discoveries and bring us closer to victory over cancer. Bob Iger and Willow Bay present the Sports Philanthropist of the Year Award to Michele Kang at the 2025 Sports Humanitarian Awards. Katie Shumacher-Cawley accepts the 2025 Jimmy V Perseverance Award. ESPYS Week The ESPYS raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation. It has been over 30 years since Jim Valvano walked onto the stage and delivered his iconic speech as he accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. He encouraged others to carry on the “Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!”® spirit and announced the beginning of the V Foundation for Cancer Research together with ESPN. Top celebrities from sports and entertainment came together to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major athletic achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. Throughout the week, ESPN leveraged its platforms to drive high-impact fundraising and awareness moments that amplified purpose-driven storytelling at scale. Through cross-platform integrations, including PSAs, studio features and digital content, the initiative reached audiences in authentic and meaningful ways, elevating visibility while engaging fans across multiple touchpoints. ESPYS Week fundraising totaled $1.05M representing strong engagement across ESPN’s platforms, including ESPN Radio, Digital and V Foundation PSAs across ESPN and ABC.
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