49ers Add More Partners to Faithful to the Planet Program

The San Francisco 49ers have intensified their commitment to environmental sustainability with the continued expansion of their ‘Faithful to the Planet’ programme, now backed by 13 corporate partners.

The initiative, which launched in 2023, has quickly become a leading sustainability model within the sporting world.

Ryan Connors, senior director of global partnerships sales & strategy, shared his insights on the initiative’s progress and growing impact.

“Beyond the tangible outcomes of our projects, our coalition has evolved; FTTP members are coming together to participate in sustainability summits and local volunteer activities, while also engaging in joint retail promotions and global impact initiatives,” Connors said.

“We are proud to have set a sustainability benchmark within professional sports and eagerly anticipate the continuation of our endeavours in partnership for the benefit of the planet,” he said.

In its third year, the programme welcomed new collaborators including Lexus, NetApp and PG&E, who are long-time partners of the 49ers.

They join a growing coalition of companies from sectors such as technology, retail, automotive, and food and beverage.

Together, these brands work alongside the team to drive positive environmental impact, with over USD$100,000 contributed to global conservation efforts to date.

Partnering with Dollar Donation Club, the initiative channels funding to three key environmental organisations: Save the Redwoods League, Plastic Fischer, and Trees for the Future.

So far, the programme has helped restore more than 333,000 square feet of redwood forest, removed over 71,000 pounds of plastic waste from rivers, and planted upwards of 91,000 trees across Africa.

To mark Earth Day and celebrate the latest additions to the coalition, the 49ers hosted the second-annual Faithful to the Planet Summit at Cadence Headquarters in San Jose, California, located near Levi’s Stadium.

Cadence, a member since 2024, showcased its sustainable operations with an on-site community garden where staff grow and harvest their own produce.

Representatives from 11 partner organisations attended the summit, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives the programme’s success and continuing the momentum of what is proving to be a transformative force in sports-led sustainability.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!