National Basketball Association

NBA stars on board for 'Obama Classic'

Published Nov. 23, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Lakers legend Magic Johnson has joined the list of past and present basketball superstars who will play in an exhibition game in Washington, D.C., next month to raise funds for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign.

An invitation was sent out to supporters Wednesday offering an "MVP" package priced at $35,800 per ticket to the "Obama Classic," the Los Angeles Times reported. The package includes the chance to shoot around with the players beforehand, watch the game courtside and then eat dinner with them afterward.

There are other packages available, including $20,000 for the same privileges minus dinner and $5,000 for courtside seats.

"Please feel free to pass this invitation along to others whom you believe may be interested in joining us for a very fun, once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable experience in support of President Obama!" wrote Shefali Razdan Duggal, national finance chairman for the president's re-election campaign, in the invitation.

Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer said, "We need less of a focus on his job and more focus on getting the millions of Americans who can't even make $38,500 some help."

Players who have confirmed they will play in the Obama Classic Basketball Game include Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Chris Paul and Ray Allen.

Former women's greats Cheryl Miller and Tina Thompson and retired big men Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing will also play in the game on Dec. 12. The exact location of the event is yet to be announced.

Funds raised at the game will go to the Obama Victory Fund, an account managed by the Democratic Party and Obama's re-election campaign.