DeSantis seeks to fundraise off Orlando Magic donation controversy and criticism from NBA players' union

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign is seeking to raise money off criticism by the NBA players' union of an Orlando Magic donation to a super PAC that supports his presidential bid.

In a text message Friday, the Republican's presidential campaign said it appeared that the NBA had taken a "break from protesting our anthem and bending the knee to Communist China to chirp about Gov. DeSantis."

"Under his presidency, America will NEVER bend the knee to China," it added. The fundraising text included the National Basketball Players' Association statement Thursday that slammed the team's financial support for the pro-DeSantis super PAC.

The association called the $50,000 donation from the team to the DeSantis-aligned super PAC Never Back Down "alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary."

"NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements," the players' association said in a statement. "However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent on team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players."

The association said the team's donation "does not represent player support for the recipient."

As CNN previously reported, the team's contribution has stirred attention and controversy since it was publicly disclosed in federal filings this week.