The Devos Family
From Hoopedia
The DeVos family purchased the Orlando Magic in September of 1991. At that time, family head Rich DeVos stated that the DeVos family is simply the team's current caretaker, making it clear that the real owners of the NBA franchise would continue to be the Central Florida community and the loyal Magic fans. Since purchasing the team, the franchise has won two Atlantic Division Championships (1995, 1996), one Eastern Conference title (1995) and had three 50-win seasons, including a franchise record 60 victories in 1995-96. The Magic have advanced to the playoffs eight times and finished with a .500 record or better in 11 of the last 14 seasons.
The acquisition and operation of the Magic is a family affair involving Rich, his wife, Helen, and their four children and spouses; Dick and Betsy DeVos, Dan and Pam DeVos, Cheri and Bob Vander Weide, and Doug and Maria DeVos. As one of the two founding families of Amway Corporation—now a subsidiary of the parent company, Alticor—the DeVos family is one of the nation's most successful business stories in recent history.
Although the senior DeVoses have an established residence in southern Florida, the family was introduced to the Central Florida community during Orlando's drive to bring major league baseball to “The City Beautiful.” An ensuing relationship was formed between the DeVos family and the city of Orlando.
The baseball venture left them with a heightened interest in professional sports ownership. The 80-year-old co-founder of Amway envisioned incorporating the philosophies that made him one of the most successful businessmen in America today with that of a solid, young NBA franchise. He understands the impact professional sports can have on the upcoming generation, and he is committed to ensuring the team provides a positive, encouraging example.
From 1995-2001, RDV Sports owned and operated the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League. During their six seasons of existence, the Solar Bears captured one division title (Central Division, 1995-96. ), three Eastern Conference crowns (1996, 1999, 2001) and the IHL’s Turner Cup championship in 2000-01. Orlando compiled an all-time regular season record of 286-162-44 (.626), the best in the league over that time frame.
From 1998-2002, the Orlando Miracle of the WNBA was part of the RDV Sports portfolio. The Miracle played in their inaugural season during the summer of 1999 and made the playoffs in 2000.
RDV Sports, named for Rich DeVos and the general partner of the Magic, has been and continues to be an active partner in the Central Florida community. In February of 1998, RDV Sports, in partnership with Florida Hospital, opened the $50 million, 365,000-square-foot RDV Sportsplex. The RDV Sportsplex is a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility, which includes a world-class health club, medical offices, restaurant, retail shops, and practice and training facilities for the Magic.
The DeVos family remains involved in numerous charities and community-enhancement endeavors, both in the Central Florida area and their hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich. Bob Vander Weide serves as Chairman of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has positively impacted more than one million children. Through private donations, fund-raising events and contributions, more than $13 million has been raised and distributed to non-profit organizations that support the OMYF mission statement.
