FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego, CA — The San Diego Sharks today announced a major new partnership with Alaska Airlines and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a leading nonprofit that helps people with physical disabilities pursue active lives through sport. Together, the partnership will directly support CAF-supported athletes as they travel to competitions.
As part of the partnership, San Diego’s favorite airline and favorite pro basketball team are teaming up to launch Miles for Makes: for every three-point shot made by the Sharks during the 2026 season, Alaska Airlines will donate 10,000 Atmos Status Points to CAF. Those points will be used to fly CAF-supported athletes to competitions as they pursue their sports dreams.
The Sharks will take to the skies on Alaska’s expanding network of nonstop East Coast routes, while Alaska Atmos Gold members will enjoy access to complimentary upgrades to courtside seats at Sharks home games while supplies last on a first come, first-served basis.
Alaska Airlines offers the most non-stop destinations out of San Diego, reinforcing its deep commitment to the region. This partnership extends that leadership beyond the runway and into meaningful community impact.
“This is what a true hometown partnership looks like,” said Tyler Sickmeyer, Owner of the San Diego Sharks. “Every time our players knock down a three, an athlete gets closer to their sports dreams with the help of CAF. Alaska Airlines isn’t just flying planes. They are moving athletes toward hope. We are proud to align with a partner that is investing in San Diego at this level.”
Through the Alaska Airlines Miles for Makes initiative, the cumulative impact over the course of the season could result in well over a million points donated, helping offset travel costs for families who might otherwise face significant financial strain while seeking treatment.
“At Alaska Airlines, we believe connecting people is what matters most,” said J’Keren Sears, Program Manager at Alaska Airlines. “We’re proud to partner with the Sharks and CAF to turn every three-point shot into something bigger than the game. Together, we’re helping CAF athletes chase their dreams and create lasting impact in our community.”
“This partnership represents the power of sports, business, and community coming together for good,” Sickmeyer added. “Alaska Airlines has taken community impact to new heights, and we are honored to be part of it.”
The Sharks season continues at Canyon Crest Academy this weekend, with the Reading Rebels (Pennsylvania) visiting San Diego for the first time. Free tickets are available at SharksBasketball.com.
For more information, media inquiries, or partnership details, please contact:
Cari Bacon
Cari@Fidelitas.co
619.866.3550
About the San Diego Sharks
The San Diego Sharks are a professional basketball organization committed to delivering high level competition while creating meaningful community impact across San Diego. The Sharks were founded in 2022 and offer free tickets and free popcorn to fans of all ages, making pro sports entertainment accessible to everyone. The Sharks compete in the 94×50 basketball league against teams from around the country featuring players pursuing the next step in their professional basketball careers. Sharks games are known for their energetic atmosphere, crazy timeout games, and fun for all ages.
About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”
About Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) stands as a global leader in empowering individuals with physical disabilities to embrace vibrant, active lives. CAF firmly believes that engaging in physical activity fosters self-esteem, encourages independence, and enriches the quality of life. CAF has been at the forefront of the adaptive sports movement for more than three transformative decades, catalyzing change and redefining possibilities. Since its inception in 1994, CAF has raised over $191 million and fulfilled 52,000+ funding requests across all 50 states and more than 70 countries, impacting another 60,000 individuals annually through its outreach efforts. From providing essential equipment like handcycles to offering mentorship and encouragement, CAF’s mission is clear: to provide opportunities and support to those who aspire to lead active, athletic lifestyles. Learn more at www.challengedathletes.org
