ESPN and V Foundation Launch 19th Annual V Week for Cancer Research
ESPN is set to launch its 19th Annual V Week for Cancer Research, which will take place from December 2 to December 14, 2025. This annual event, presented by Principal Financial Group®, aims to raise funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, furthering the legacy of Jim Valvano, a revered basketball coach and sports commentator.
Key Features of V Week
The V Week will feature a variety of programs across ESPN’s platforms, emphasizing its commitment to raising awareness and funding for cancer research. All funds generated during this period will be directed toward life-saving cancer research initiatives.
Significant Sponsorship and Matching Challenge
- Principal® has become the first-ever presenting sponsor for V Week.
- In a bid to inspire increased donations, Principal® will initiate a $1 million match challenge.
This campaign means that each donation made during V Week will effectively double in impact, propelling the V Foundation’s mission forward. ESPN has already contributed over $264 million to the V Foundation since its inception.
Purpose and Impact of V Week
The V Week aims to spotlight stories related to cancer’s impact within the sports community. Through storytelling and coverage, ESPN seeks to enhance awareness and funding for vital cancer research initiatives.
Kevin Martinez, ESPN’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship, emphasized the inspiring message of hope delivered by Jim Valvano over the decades, reinforcing ESPN’s commitment to achieving Victory Over Cancer®.
Special Events During V Week
This year’s V Week will include several key events designed to engage fans and promote the cause:
- Giving Tuesday (December 2): A day dedicated to promoting the importance of funding cancer research.
- The ESPN Roadblock (December 3): A special 15-minute segment honoring Jim Valvano’s legacy.
- Men’s Jimmy V Classic (December 9): A doubleheader at Madison Square Garden featuring notable matchups.
- Boo-Yah Gala (December 9-10): An event commemorating Stuart Scott, with proceeds benefiting cancer research.
- Women’s Jimmy V Classic (December 10): A featured game between Iowa and Iowa State.
- Fight Like Hell Night (December 13): A UFC event highlighting cancer research and personal cancer stories from the UFC community.
Statistics on Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors lived in the United States as of 2022. This number is projected to rise to 26 million by 2040, indicating the growing significance of cancer research.
How to Contribute
Fans and supporters can join the fight against cancer by participating in various initiatives during V Week. Contributions can be made directly through the V Foundation’s website, where every donation is crucial in advancing research and supporting affected individuals.
For more details, including donation opportunities, people are encouraged to visit the V Foundation at v.org.
