In a surprising intersection of politics and sports, newly released campaign finance records reveal that Vice President Kamala Harris’s re-election campaign paid a $50,000 fee to an entertainment company co-owned by Duke basketball legend Grant Hill. The funds were designated for “event production,” according to official filings.
The payment was made to Hill’s firm, Hilltop Creative Media, which has recently expanded its portfolio into political events and high-profile branding projects. The transaction took place in early March, just weeks before a major campaign rally in Atlanta that featured prominent celebrities and musical acts.
Although neither the Harris campaign nor Hilltop Creative Media confirmed the exact nature of the event, insiders suggest the company played a key role in coordinating production, lighting, stage design, and talent bookings for the Atlanta gathering, which was described as “a vibrant fusion of politics and culture.”
The partnership raised eyebrows among some political observers due to Hill’s relative newness in the political production space. However, campaign officials defended the decision, pointing to Hill’s strong reputation in entertainment and his company’s growing presence in high-end event planning.
“Grant Hill and his team brought a unique creative energy that helped amplify our message and energize our audience,” said a senior campaign advisor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We’re always looking for ways to connect with voters on a deeper level, and Hilltop helped us do that.”
Hill, a seven-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, has long maintained a reputation for professionalism and vision both on and off the court. Since retiring from basketball, he has ventured into broadcasting, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Hilltop Creative Media was founded in 2020 and has previously worked with entertainment clients including film festivals and corporate conferences.
Though political campaigns frequently hire production firms to stage rallies and events, the use of celebrity-linked companies is relatively rare and sometimes draws criticism. Some Republican strategists questioned whether the payment was more about optics than operations.
“If this was about scoring headlines and courting celebrity fans, then sure, it worked,” said GOP strategist Martin Delgado. “But for $50,000, voters deserve substance, not just sizzle.”
Nevertheless, the event itself was widely praised for its energy and inclusivity. Attendees described the rally as one of the most dynamic and engaging of the campaign so far, with some comparing it to a music festival more than a political gathering.
As the 2024 election heats up, the Harris campaign’s investment in creative event production may signal a broader strategy to appeal to younger, culturally engaged voters. Whether it pays off in votes remains to be seen—but the message is clear: in this campaign, presentation is part of the platforms.
