Harvard Business School (HBS) has announced a $5 million gift from Josh Harris and his wife, Marjorie, to establish the Harris Family Fund for Sports Management and Alternative Investments.

The commitment, which will augment the Josh Harris Endowment for Sports Management, will help promote the diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented individuals in the fields of sports management and alternative investments, while advancing research. To that end, the fund will support academic initiatives including faculty research, case writing, and curriculum development and provide financial support for students who are passionate about pursuing related positions. In addition, the fund will help convene the Harvard community through events featuring some of the university’s experts on the topics.

“Attending Harvard Business School had an immeasurable impact on my career, and I am thrilled to give back to an institution that provided me so many incredible opportunities,” said Harris, who runs Apollo Global Management and is a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and New Jersey Devils hockey team. “This fund will go toward supporting students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in either alternative investments or sports management—two industries that are close to my heart but that urgently need to include more voices from more communities. Marjorie and I are proud to partner with HBS to advance research in these fields, promote inclusion and support the next generation of industry leaders.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Denis Tangney Jr.)