Orlando Magic’s Alex Martins inducted into team’s Hall of Fame
Well, that’s very well done. You take instruction. I, I, I don’t think I’ve ever seen *** crowd. Take *** seat that quickly when requested. Good morning, everybody, or afternoon, I guess it is now, just afternoon. I’m David Steele, and I’ll be the MC for today’s ceremony, and it’s *** big day. We’re inducting, uh, one of my great friends into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame here in 2026. Um, Alex and I go back to the very beginning, 1989. We were among Pat Williams’ first employees brought on to bring pro basketball to Central Florida. And Alex and I struck up *** friendship right away and it’s, uh, just grown through the years. So, it means *** lot to me to be here and witness Alex getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. And I can’t tell you how deserving. This man is, I mean, in every way, character, uh, what he has done in this community, chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Central Florida, leading all the initiatives to raise money and, and help the youth of Central Florida. Um, his philanthropy is just off the charts. And then with the Orlando Magic, obviously, the CEO since 2011. So, uh, it played *** major role before that time in bringing this building into existence. And, uh, first, the Amway Center and now the Kia Center, and of course, helping to bring the All-Star Game to Orlando, uh, *** big part of that too, driving that force in 2012. So, I could go on and on, but we’re going to hear *** lot more from others and it’ll probably be *** lot more interesting. One thing I will note, we both arrived in, in 1989. And um I’m still doing the same job basically that that I did then. So I, I look at that and I, you know, question my, uh, my life choices as I look at what Alex has accomplished, but, but it really is remarkable, Alex. I’m really happy for you. So to get the ceremony started, I’d like to bring aboard, uh, Orlando Magic chairman, Dan DeVos. Dan? Thank you, David. Good afternoon everybody. Thank you all for being here on this very special day, and it’s ***, it’s an honor to be able to recognize Alex and the achievements that he has, he has, he has, uh, shown not only to the organization but as, as David’s mentioned also to, to the community. But the, the inductions into, into our Hall of Fame is really part of those defining moments of our organization and we’re very happy today to have some of, uh, Alex’s family here. Juliet, his wife is here, Gabrielle is in from the university. Good to have you here. Brother-in-law, sister-in-law, Matt and Caroline, uh, Nixon are in, and cousin Don is here, which I just met. And came in special from New Jersey so we’re we’re so happy to have family members that are here today along with so many other people who have walked alongside Alex for for all these many years in many different ways who have worked with him and helped shape the organization uh under his leadership and so it’s, it’s, it’s really great to see so many friendly and familiar faces. Also pleased to have Mayor Dyer is here. I think Mayor Demings is here. Mayor Dyer, thank you. Nice to see you. Thank you all for being here to help us celebrate this special day. On behalf of the DeVos family, including my wife Pamela, our son Cole, his wife Lexi, uh, nephew Ryan, and his wife Michelle, you know, we’re, we’re very happy to have them here with us today representing the entire, uh, DeVos family. And we want to express our deep gratitude, Alex, our gratitude for your stewardship and gratitude for the decades of care and conviction that you have given to this franchise. While Alex will continue in his role as vice chair of the team, we just did not want to wait any longer to recognize his great accomplishments and to make sure that he, we solidified his place in magic history. You know, Hall of Fame inductions are defining because they give us *** chance to, to pause, to reflect on who we are and want to be, and to celebrate the success of individuals who embody those values. The Atlanta Magic Hall of Fame was created as part of our 25th anniversary, and we had *** very intentional purpose. The design reflects our belief that success is never accidental. It is built over time by people who invest in something bigger than themselves and to make *** lasting impact that is larger than any single role, game, or season. It bridges our past with our future and tells the enduring story of magic basketball. Alex Martin’s is that bridge and that’s why we’re here to celebrate him today. So when we consider candidates for, for Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, we look at 44 main criteria on the court performance and success, including contributions to team success, years of service for the Magic. Overall impact and importance to the franchise and off-court impact in Central Florida community. David mentioned some of those, but I would like to just set one second on one, on, on something that, that I know Alex has, has found is, you know, very committed to and, and mentioned University of Central Florida. When he was appointed by the governor in 2013 and then reappointed, now your terms, I understand, goes to 131. And being chair for 5 years, uh, I, that’s *** huge amount of work, *** huge accomplishment, and *** huge benefit for the community, and I know so many people beyond the Magic organization. Thank you for that and for all the other leadership things that you have done throughout the community, uh, in the past years, and I know you’ll continue to be doing those in the future and having such, such an, an important piece of the community. So the criteria that I mentioned. was to ensure that every individual that that we honor represents the values, standards, and legacy of This organization and Alex not only exemplifies every one of those criteria, he really helps define them. Alex joined the Magic in 1989 as public relations director. And today he joins the players, coaches, and executives who embody our traditions. Alex built his career across 37 years since the start with the Magic, 14 years as CEO of the franchise, where he engaged and motivated hundreds of employees, fans, and players. It’s fitting that *** person who inspired so much of the magic story now takes his place, his rightful place in the pages of our history and the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame. And so over the nearly 4 decades, Alex has guided this franchise through growth, change, and opportunity, always with integrity. Fortitude and long term community-focused perspective. Under his leadership, the Magic organization has received, has earned and, and many, many different business records, including record attendance and record increases in attendance, premium and corporate sales. Season ticket holders. As well as what is the latest. Latest and greatest Advent Health Training Center, uh, that that really makes *** difference not only against the organization, but I think also to the community. And he has deepened our presence all across Central Florida and built *** culture centered on people, purpose, and innovation. And for our family, Alex has been, you know, more than *** leader. He has been *** trusted steward of the franchise, someone who understands the unique power of sports. And how sports brings people together. And help strengthen the communities that they serve. And to me, for the last 15 years, Alex has been *** trusted advisor, partner, and friend as we have worked closely together side by side for, for those many years. I’m looking forward to what’s coming up next cause I know there’s more, more to come. My dad would often speak about opportunity and responsibility that comes with it. And Alex just doesn’t understand that calling. You seized it, embraced it. And expanded it You live it every day. Because of your leadership, the Magic just aren’t *** team we’re proud of. They’re *** community asset for our family, our friends, and our city. that loves and trusts the organization. And that is your true legacy. That is how you, you will be remembered today and for future generations of Magic fans. And leaders to come. Congratulations, Alex. Now I’d like to introduce somebody who has been by Alex side by side also for many years and has seen his leadership firsthand and has been part of this organization for about the same 40-30 years now too. So please welcome our president of business operations, Charlie Freeman. Well, welcome everyone. Um, it’s great to have you here and thank you, Dan. Um, before I get into Alex’s accomplishments, I’d like to start with *** quick story. Um, for those of you who may not know, Alex has an unbelievable eye for details, OK? And during the construction of the Kia Center, Alex and I would walk this building every single week, um, with the construction team, with the architects. And almost every single time we would find something that was either wrong or needed to be fixed, etc. And then about 6 months in, Alex finally decided he was gonna go on vacation. So, I was like, great, I finally get *** break, I get *** week off. Nope, not *** chance. Alex from Colorado uses the webcam on the truest building across the street. To tell me that there’s something wrong with the tower, and he says, Charlie, is there something wrong? That just doesn’t look right. And sure enough, he was right. From *** webcam while on vacation, we had one more thing to fix. So Alex has *** relentless standard for excellence, and I had *** front row seat to that for 20 years. That standard, that commitment to getting it right, that didn’t just shape *** building. It shaped an organization, it shaped *** culture, and it helped shape the Orlando Magic. It’s *** privilege and for me personally and very meaningful to be able to be here to recognize Alex here today. As, as Dan mentioned, from *** 1989 young PR director to leading the organization as CEO for the last 14 years, Alex has been *** very meaningful part of Orlando Magic history. Before banners, before the Kia Center, before downtown Orlando became what it is today, Alex just didn’t witness that growth. He was an integral part of it. Nearly 4 decades of leadership. Growth and consistency. Alex has helped transform the Magic into one of the NBA’s model franchises. He was always grounded on one principle, doing it the right way. What truly defines Alex, as Dan mentioned, is the culture that he built. He believed in people at every level of this organization. He created *** place where people wanted to work, where people grew, where people stayed, and we continue to receive recognition as *** top organization here today. That’s not accidental. That’s all because of Alex. Community impact. Alex’s impact extends far beyond basketball. He’s been *** true steward of this community, working alongside business, civic, and community leaders, helping position the Magic as *** cornerstone of Central Florida. His fingerprints are all over this city. Now on *** personal level, Alex has meant *** great deal to me. His belief, his trust, his guidance have shaped my journey. And he is someone I’ve learned from each and every day. And Alex, for that, I’m incredibly thankful. Thank you so much. So today Alex joins *** Hall of Fame filled with players, coaches, and leaders. Who defined magic basketball. It’s only fitting that the person that helped guide that story, who protected it, who elevated it, now takes place alongside them. Alex, on behalf of the DeVos family, our players, our coaches, our staff, our partners, and our fans, thank you. Thank you for your leadership, for your integrity, for your belief in this organization and your city, for your belief in me. Congratulations on this incredible, well-deserved honor and for your induction into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame. Let’s give it *** round of applause for Alex. You’re *** dear friend and we’re so happy for you, Alex. David, I’ll kick it back to you. Well done, Charlie. Well done, Dan. Boy, you guys just nailed it. What Alex has meant to, uh, this franchise and the Central Florida community. If I could bring Dan up and Alex up, I think it’s time to, uh, uh, unveil the Hall of Fame. podium for Mr. Alex Martins. Wow. Thank you. Standing here today, uh, I’m incredibly honored. And honestly overwhelmed. When I think about what this franchise has meant to me in this city. I’m filled with gratitude. And *** deep sense of pride for what we’ve all built together. Being recognized by an organization that’s been such *** central part of my life, my family’s life, my career, my heart, is an honor that I will never take for granted or ever forget. Being inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame isn’t something that I ever imagined for myself. When I started with the Magic back in 1989, let alone when I started my first job in sports at the age of 16, scooping Italian ice at New York Giants Stadium. This is an honor that I share with every single person who’s been part of this incredible journey. To be inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame isn’t just about me. It’s about the people The relationships and the shared dream that brought us here to this incredible organization. And to this incredible city. First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the DeVos family. Your vision, your values, faith. In people shaped not only this organization but this entire Orlando community. Your unwavering commitment has made this franchise one of integrity, compassion, and excellence. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you for your continued trust in everyone in this organization. I’m deeply grateful to you for the trust that you placed in me. And for the example that you’ve set as owners and leaders. You’ve always treated me and everyone here like family. And I thank you for this incredible honor. Rich DeVos taught us that business success and community responsibility go hand in hand. And that principle continues to guide everything the Orlando Magic does. Rich, he always told us to call him Rich. taught us that success means lifting others up along the way, and that his belief that our organization could be something much bigger than basketball. He always talked about being caretakers of this team. And that spirit guided all of us. That the magic ultimately belonged to this community and to our fans. Rich was *** mentor to me and someone whose principles and leadership skills I tried to embody every day. I think about his words and beliefs often, and they continue to guide me in the magic’s purpose every single day. We all miss him, but his stamp will always be on this organization. Dan, I don’t know where to start, personally, thank you. You trusted in me and advocated to your family some 15 years ago for me to take on the role of CEO, and you’ve been my biggest supporter ever since. You gave me the opportunity to help lead this organization. And you’ve been the greatest boss anyone could ever hope for. Thank you for your leadership Thank you for your trust. And thank you for allowing me to be at your side. I’ve also been blessed to work alongside some credible leaders in our organization. Starting with those in our basketball operations in front office. It all started with Jimmy Hewitt and Pat Williams, whose vision helped bring the magic to Orlando and laid the foundation for everything that followed. I’m indebted to Pat for originally hiring, hiring me here in 1989. When the team joined the NBA as an expansion franchise. John Gabriel, who guided the franchise through some pivotal years and helped shape our identity. Thank you for your confidence, your trust, and most importantly, your friendship. We love you, Gabe. Pat and John were the architects of that first Magic NBA Finals team in 1995, the team that put Orlando Magic basketball on the map. Otis Smith, who built *** team that reached the 2009 NBA Finals and created some of the most memorable moments in our history. And more recently, my friends Jeff Weltman, John Hammond, And now Anthony Parker have brought *** steady hand and *** clear plan for the future. I’ve been grateful to have partnered with them as we continue as an organization, building this team the right way. On the sideline, we’ve had coaches who left an enormous imprint on this franchise. Brian Hill, who led us to our first NBA finals, and who put, also helped Orlando put. Orlando on the basketball map. Doc Rivers, who brought *** culture of resilience and competitive competitiveness every single night. Stan Van Gundy, who guided us back to the finals behind *** modern, exciting style of play that our fans embraced. And in more recent years, coaches like Jamal Mosley. Who have given so much of themselves to this organization, to our players, and to our community. Of course, none of this happens without our players. The heart of the team and the reason that our fans fill Kia Center every night. I’ve had the privilege of having *** front row seat and to have worked with legends who have defined. errors for this franchise. They’ve made magic, literally and figuratively and given the city moments that we will never forget. I think back to those early years that put the magic on the map with Shaquille O’Neal, Dennis Scott, and Penny Hardaway, electrifying the old Orlando Arena. Bringing us to our first NBA finals. Later, watching Tracy McGrady put on scoring performances that people still talk about today. Then the Dwight Howard era, when we returned to the NBA Finals with *** group that embodied toughness, unselfishness, and belief. Alongside them were players like Nick Anderson and Jeff Turner, whose loyalty and heart defined what it meant to wear *** magic jersey. Darryl Armstrong and Bo Outlaw. The ultimate examples of perseverance, heart, and hustle. And Jameer Nelson and Hito Turkou, who played huge roles in some of our greatest playoff runs, just to name *** few. But behind the scenes are the unsung heroes, our staff. The people who every day, often without spotlight or headlines, make sure that game nights run flawlessly, that our fans are welcomed like family, and that our community programs reach those who need them most. From ticketing and marketing to facilities, communications, community relations, and more. You’re the reason our organization runs with purpose and pride. I share this honor with all of you. To all the colleagues and teammates I’ve worked alongside over the years, from our executive team, department leaders, and staff, to the people who make sure the games run flawlessly. That our fans are welcome like family and are highly entertained. The ushers, the ticket takers, our friends who feed us so exceptionally well at Levy. The security team and our EMTs, this honor belongs to all of you as much as it does to me. You are the unsung heroes. You take pride in the details, in every fan’s experience, and in representing this city with class. I’ve been fortunate to work with people who cared deeply about doing things the right way, who showed up early, stayed late, and treated every fan, every partner, and every co-worker with respect and kindness. The people behind the scenes are the heartbeat of this organization. We challenged each other to be the best, to innovate, to be examples of excellence in our league that others would follow. I’ve said it before, and I mean it from the heart. I would take the Orlando Magic staff over any other staff in all of professional sports. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not thank my longtime assistant, Lindsay Laciano. Who has kept it all together for me. Lindsay, you’ve become *** part of our family. And I can’t thank you enough for all those years of support. Building this Kia Center remains one of the most memorable moments of my career and one of the greatest collaborative efforts in our city’s history. This arena wasn’t just *** construction project. It was *** statement about Orlando. About who we are and what we can accomplish when public and private sectors work hand in hand. We always remember our great friend Harvey Massey, who famously proclaimed to do them all, do them now, and do them right, which became the rallying cry for the successful campaign to build our community venues. We miss you, Harvey. Every time I walk through the doors of the Kia Center, I’m reminded of what teamwork far beyond the basketball court can accomplish. I’ll be forever grateful to Mayor Buddy Dyer for his bold leadership, his partnership, and most importantly, his friendship. Buddy, your friendship is one that I will cherish forever. To our friends across the business and civic community who have been our partners, and many, you know who you are, have become lifelong friends. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your commitment to our community, and most importantly, thank you for your friendship. Hosting the NBA All-Star Weekends in 1992 and 2012 was another special milestone. It was *** celebration not only of basketball, but of everything that our city has become vibrant, welcoming, full of pride. Orlando shined to the world on those weekends, and I couldn’t have been prouder. And perhaps the work that’s closest to my heart. The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Through the foundation, we’ve been able to touch and improve the lives of countless children and families, giving back to the community that has given us so much. There’s no greater reward than knowing that the magic can make *** lasting difference well beyond the court. I’ve said on numerous occasions that the day that we award the OMYF grants to those organizations who work every day to improve the lives of the youth in our community are some of my favorite days of the year. The lives touched through that work, the younger people who have been given opportunities to grow, learn, and dream. That’s what matters most. That’s what I believe Rich DeVos envisioned all those years ago. To our fans, you are the reason we do this. You were there for the big moments, the playoff runs, the buzzer beaters, the banner raising nights, and you were there in tougher seasons when belief and patience were tested. Your passion is what has made this more than *** job for me. It has made it *** calling. When we talk about magic above all, we’re talking about you, the fans. And the last shall be first to my family. My wife Juliet, our girls Sophia and Gabrielle. My father, who’s watching at home, gets, get well soon, Dad. And to my extended family. Thank you for your love, your sacrifices, and your understanding through long seasons, late nights, and countless events. I missed *** lot of family events due to the nature of this business. And I thank all of you for your patience, understanding, and love. Any recognition that I receive is only possible because of your support. And your willingness to share this journey with me. I love you all. As I reflect on my career, what stands out most are not titles on *** business card or an honor such as this, as meaningful as they are, it’s the relationships. Mr. D, the DeVos family. With Commissioner Silver and the NBA league staff. Colleagues around the NBA and in the sports industry, general managers and coaches who poured themselves into building this team, partners. Team members And players whose careers and lives I’ve watched grow with colleagues, partners, and team members who became lifelong friends with my family at UCF and with community leaders and *** community that has embraced this franchise as its own. I’ve been incredibly fortunate and blessed to spend my career being part of something that’s larger than myself. Helping build and sustain an organization that brings people together, creates lifelong memories. And uses the power of sport to make *** difference. I guess the moral of the story is love what you do. Love who you work with Love who you work for And you will never work *** day in your life. I love what I do I love this organization. And I love all of you that I have worked alongside. Thus, I don’t feel like I’ve worked *** day of my life. The Magic are my family, and it’s been an honor, the honor of my life to help build something that will continue to inspire long after all of us are gone. So thank you to the DeVos family. To the Magic Organization for this incredible honor. For their leadership And their faith in me. I am humbled. I am grateful And I am proud more than anything. To call Orlando and the Orlando Magic home. Thank you. That was great, Alex. Thank you so much. And, uh, boy, yeah, *** giant in pro sports, *** giant in this community, and what *** well-deserved honor today. We’re all glad that we, we’re here to witness this, I’m sure. So right now, uh, the ceremony is over. The media will do. Interviews with Alex and whoever else you’d like up here around the, the Hall of Fame area. And then for everyone else, there’s lunch in the atrium. So just make your way down here to my right, your left, the escalators down into the Disney Atrium and lunch will be provided. Again, thank you again. Congratulations, Alex Martins.
Orlando Magic’s Alex Martins inducted into team’s Hall of Fame
Updated: 12:57 PM EDT Mar 23, 2026
Orlando Magic vice chair and alternate governor, Alex Martins, became the Orlando Magic’s 14th Hall of Fame inductee.The induction ceremony was held on Monday at the Kia Center.Martins stepped down as Orlando Magic CEO in 2025 after 14 years. This came after the team announced a new leadership structure, including Martins’ transition to the newly created role of vice chair. In this position, Martins acts as a senior advisor to the Magic Board of Directors to advance long-term strategic initiatives and serve as a resource to Magic executives, according to Magic. “His innovative business acumen has transformed our organization, while working tirelessly to make the Magic an invested community partner,” Chairman Dan DeVos said. Martins discusses achievements with WESH 2>> Watch the full ceremony in the video player above.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Orlando Magic vice chair and alternate governor, Alex Martins, became the Orlando Magic’s 14th Hall of Fame inductee.
The induction ceremony was held on Monday at the Kia Center.
Martins stepped down as Orlando Magic CEO in 2025 after 14 years.
This came after the team announced a new leadership structure, including Martins’ transition to the newly created role of vice chair.
In this position, Martins acts as a senior advisor to the Magic Board of Directors to advance long-term strategic initiatives and serve as a resource to Magic executives, according to Magic.
“His innovative business acumen has transformed our organization, while working tirelessly to make the Magic an invested community partner,” Chairman Dan DeVos said.
Martins discusses achievements with WESH 2
>> Watch the full ceremony in the video player above.