• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 7, 2010

The University of Phoenix and Microsoft will co-sponsor a special Thursday night on ESPN, where NBA free agent LeBron James will announce where he will be playing next year. Proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

"We're just excited that we are the organization benefiting from this opportunity," said Frank Sanchez, a spokesman for the clubs.

Sanchez, who works with the Atlanta-based organization, said funds will be used to support the 4,000 local clubs that comprise the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

"This is going to serve our local clubs and our club members extremely well," he said. "Our local clubs are going to have a great experience because of this contribution."

James' foundation has worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for some time. Sanchez referred to the donation as an "amazing opportunity" for the organization's countrywide efforts to build basketball courts for young people.

Other sponsors include McDonald's and Coca-Cola Co. The announcement show will air from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nike and Coke will make contributions. James' marketing agency -- not ESPN -- landed the sponsorships. ESPN said it will not receive any compensation for the hour-long show, where ratings are expected to soar.

ESPN.com first reported that the special would be airing.

James currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and there has been much speculation whether he will stay with the team or go elsewhere. Both Cleveland and nearby Akron, where James is from, have Boys & Girls Clubs.