Four years ago, the U.S. elections of 2020, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and following several incidents of police brutality against Black individuals — including the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., and the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. — marked a pivotal moment for the nation.
Even though the NBA and its players were isolated in a bubble in Orlando, they could not escape the significant events occurring beyond those walls. That year saw global protests intensifying the call for social change and justice. NBA and WNBA players organized protests in their respective cities, with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic initiating a sports-wide pause in August by refusing to play in a playoff game.
The stakes in the upcoming election, just a week away, are equally high.
The events of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, aimed at obstructing the official certification of the 2020 election, along with the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Dobbs case, which overturned half a century of legal precedent concerning abortion rights established by Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the election race, combined with Vice President Kamala Harris’s rising prominence as the head of the Democratic ticket, as well as separate assassination attempts this summer against former President Donald Trump and his heightened rhetoric regarding immigration and other matters, have created a chaotic political landscape as Election Day approaches.
However, many of the issues that the NBA and WNBA advocated for in 2020 have failed to make substantial progress nationally over the past four years, including enhancing voting accessibility and curtailing voter suppression, along with efforts to address police violence. The NBA’s Social Justice Coalition, comprising players, team governors, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, has focused on state-level legislation concerning criminal justice, voting rights, policing, and community safety.
This election cycle, teams and players from both leagues are actively engaging communities within their cities to encourage voter registration.
Among the most prominent initiatives is being spearheaded by WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike, the president of the players’ union, who was appointed in August to lead More Than a Vote, an advocacy group previously directed by LeBron James during the 2020 election. During that cycle, the organization aimed to safeguard voting access for Black voters by recruiting 40,000 poll workers nationwide and partnering with NBA teams to transform arenas into early voting locations and ballot drop-off sites.
This time around, More Than a Vote’s focus will shift toward women’s issues, including reproductive rights, which are on the ballot in various states across the country. Ogwumike is leveraging social influencers, social media, such as a WhatsApp channel, and other avenues to connect with voters this cycle.
“The best approach to reach them is through the athletes they admire,” Ogwumike expressed in a phone call last week.
“We are well aware of the impact we can have. It’s crucial that we use our platforms to encourage our fans to become leaders within their own communities. We are also learning in this process. There’s a common belief that public figures, those seemingly unattainable, have everything figured out. We gain a lot from our experiences, and sharing that with those who follow us is incredibly important.”
Ogwumike noted that More Than a Vote can remain “kind of agnostic” in terms of directing voters on whom to support, while still emphasizing the importance of registering in their states and participating in the election.
“Certainly, we are focusing on reproductive freedoms with assistance from other women athletes, people I’ve competed with in the WNBA,” she mentioned. “That’s a central issue, particularly in how we articulate our message within the community.”
As part of its outreach strategy, More Than a Vote has targeted potential voters on Native American reservations, collaborated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and organized block parties.
“Engaging with people where they are is the most effective approach,” Ogwumike stated. “When taking into account not only the election cycle but also everything else surrounding it, we can make a meaningful impact.”
with it. The amount of spam everyone is receiving is overwhelming. …
“Honestly, at this point, it’s about providing the information, motivation, support, or empowerment that people seek. Whether that involves understanding early registration, early voting, or navigating on Election Day, we are utilizing as much bandwidth as we can.”
On Election Day, Ogwumike intends to return to her home state of Texas to work as a poll worker in Harris County, one of the largest voting hubs in the state.
“There is a significant presidential election taking place, but the true change and impactful influence stem from voter turnout and results in local communities,” she stated. “We are not confining our outreach to just those 10 states that have reproductive rights questions on the ballot.”
“Instead, we are focusing our efforts on battleground states right now, engaging individuals in a manner that feels less daunting and less political.”
NBA players aim to replicate their initiatives from four years ago, when 96 percent of their eligible members registered to vote in the 2020 election.
The league and the union established a portal this summer that enabled players to check their voter registration status, register to vote, and request absentee ballots. Incoming players at the Rookie Transition Program could also identify particular issues they wished to engage with in their team’s cities.
Earlier this month, the Detroit Pistons hosted “Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E.,” a nonpartisan festival organized in collaboration with Rock the Vote and Detroit Votes. The event aimed to promote early voting in Michigan, a crucial battleground state for the presidential election. Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Baby headlined the musical performances, while food trucks were on site to encourage Gen Z voters to cast their ballots early.
“It is fantastic for the Pistons to engage with the community while motivating people to take part in the voting process,” stated Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff last week. “It’s something we should all be involved with. None of us are flawless in this process, but recognizing its importance, understanding what it means to cast a vote, and appreciating the efforts of those who paved the way for our voting rights is essential to ensure we do not waste this opportunity.”
Bickerstaff, alongside Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem and the team’s president of business operations, Melanie Harris, plans to visit select polling locations on Election Day to deliver coffee and doughnuts to poll workers.
In his inaugural season in Detroit, coaching a team that faced a 14-win season marked by an NBA-record 28 consecutive losses, Bickerstaff is already managing a lot. However, he is deeply concerned—like many others—about the intense divisiveness rampant in American politics.
“As a coach, teacher, and leader, I take pride in uniting people,” he remarked. “We may not always agree, but we can disagree civilly. Currently, it’s become team one against the other, and I really dislike that. It’s evolved into a rivalry that feels personal.”
The NBA Coaches Association produced a public service announcement titled “What is Your Issue?,” featuring several head coaches who shared their motivations for voting in the upcoming election. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke about reproductive rights. Warriors coach Steve Kerr mentioned gun violence, while Magic coach Jamahl Mosley highlighted voter access.
In 2020, with arenas closed to the public due to the pandemic, 23 of the NBA’s 30 teams made their NBA, G League, or team practice facilities available for community use, serving as early voting sites, drop-off locations, or voting centers on Election Day. (As in 2020, no NBA games were scheduled on Election Day this year.) A total of 48 professional sports venues, including basketball arenas, football stadiums, hockey arenas, and baseball stadiums, functioned as voting centers, according to Sports
Business Journal. A 2022 poll conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland revealed that 77 percent of respondents supported the idea of utilizing sports stadiums as voting venues.
With the easing of coronavirus restrictions across the nation and the restoration of societal norms in the U.S., more individuals are now able to vote in person, diminishing the necessity for arenas to function as polling places.
This year, just eight teams are anticipated to offer their facilities for polling or to serve as ballot drop-off locations: Cleveland, Detroit, the Clippers, Phoenix, Portland, Golden State, Milwaukee, and Sacramento.
The NBA’s union, the National Basketball Players Association, has collaborated with TUNL, a media platform inspired by the “tunnel fits” of players showcasing the latest trends as they enter arenas, to promote a capsule collection titled “But Did You Vote?” created by fashion designer Desyree Nicole. The collection was developed with the assistance of players such as Kevon Looney from the Warriors, Peyton Watson from Denver, Jarred Vanderbilt of the Lakers, and Keita Bates-Diop, formerly with the Wolves.
Among NBA and WNBA players and coaches who have publicly expressed their electoral preferences, most lean towards Harris over Trump. Notable endorsements for Harris include those from Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, Chris Paul, two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion Candace Parker, as well as coaches Kerr and Rivers, who narrated a campaign ad for Harris. The Seattle Storm organization has also lent its support.
Here at the Storm, we are advocates for equality and opportunity. We need leaders who fight for us all, all the time.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz align strongly with our mission and values, and we proudly endorse this presidential team.
Make your voting plan at… pic.twitter.com/4QkNyhEXbm
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) October 23, 2024
Hall of Fame coach George Karl played a pivotal role in organizing Hoops For Harris, an online advocacy group that followed the initiatives and fundraising events of other organizations like Win With Black Women, which gained notable attention for Harris following her candidacy announcement in July. Hoops for Harris raised $25,000 during its September Zoom call, featuring prominent attendees such as Knicks and Liberty superfan Spike Lee, Lakers assistant coach Lindsey Harding, and Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, who has emerged as a surrogate for Harris on the campaign trail.
Miriam Adelson, whose family acquired majority ownership of the Mavericks from Cuban earlier this year, is a dedicated Trump supporter. According to The New York Times, she donated $100 million to a pro-Trump political action committee and has been a significant contributor to Republican candidates and initiatives during the 2024 election cycle.
2020 cycle.
Knicks governor Jim Dolan contributed $300,000 in 2020 to a committee associated with the former president, in addition to the maximum allowed personal donation of $2,700. Trump hosted one of his final significant rallies before Election Day this past Sunday at Madison Square Garden, home of Dolan’s Knicks and Rangers. The event featured speeches that included racist remarks directed at both Puerto Rican and Black individuals.
Ogwumike is well aware of the current political landscape in the United States. However, she holds onto the hope that the nation is not as divided as it seems.
“We exist in an era where there is significant gain from the rhetoric of division,” Ogwumike remarked. “In my experience, both as an athlete in a growing league and as a citizen of this country, I believe that perception is an illusion when considering everyone as a whole.”
(Photo of Doc Rivers, CJ McCollum, Nneka Ogwumike: Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
Empowering Voices: How NBA and WNBA Players are Mobilizing Voter Engagement Ahead of the 2024 Election
The Role of Athletes in Social Change
In recent years, professional athletes, particularly those in the NBA and WNBA, have become vocal advocates for social justice issues. With the 2024 election approaching, these players are leveraging their platforms to engage and mobilize voters across the United States. This movement not only aims to increase voter turnout but also seeks to empower marginalized communities to exercise their democratic rights.
Why Voter Engagement Matters
Voter engagement is crucial, especially in a democracy where every vote counts. Athletes’ involvement helps to:
- Raise Awareness: Athletes use their influence to highlight the importance of voting, particularly among younger demographics.
- Mobilize Communities: By encouraging fans and followers to participate, they help to foster a culture of civic engagement.
- Promote Education: Many players focus on educating voters about the electoral process, ballot initiatives, and local candidates.
Key Initiatives by NBA and WNBA Players
Several NBA and WNBA players have launched initiatives aimed at promoting voter engagement. Here are some noteworthy examples:
1. The NBA’s Social Justice Coalition
Founded in 2020, this coalition brings together players and team owners to address social justice issues, including voting rights. The coalition works on initiatives such as:
- Organizing voter registration drives.
- Fostering partnerships with local organizations to increase voter turnout.
2. WNBA’s “Vote Warn” Campaign
The WNBA has taken significant steps towards mobilizing voters through campaigns like “Vote Warn,” which focuses on:
- Highlighting key issues affecting women and marginalized communities.
- Creating awareness around the importance of voting in local elections.
3. Individual Player Initiatives
Many players take it upon themselves to speak out and encourage voter engagement through personal platforms:
- LeBron James: Through his organization, More Than A Vote, he actively promotes voter registration and fights against voter suppression.
- Breanna Stewart: The WNBA star utilizes her social media to educate followers about voting and the impact of their participation.
Benefits of Player Involvement in Voter Engagement
When athletes engage in voter mobilization, it brings several benefits:
- Increased Visibility: Players have large followings, which can amplify messages and reach a wider audience.
- Community Trust: Athletes often have strong ties to their communities, making their calls to action more impactful.
- Inspiration for Younger Generations: By seeing their role models engage in civic duty, younger fans are inspired to take action.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Voter Engagement
To further mobilize voters, here are some practical tips that players and organizations can implement:
- Use Social Media Effectively: Regularly share information about voter registration deadlines, upcoming elections, and how to vote.
- Host Community Events: Organize events that focus on educating the community about the voting process and local issues.
- Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with groups that focus on voter registration and education to maximize outreach efforts.
Case Studies of Successful Voter Engagement Campaigns
Case Study 1: More Than A Vote
Founded by LeBron James and other athletes, More Than A Vote aims to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout. Their strategies include:
- Creating informative content that raises awareness about the effects of voter suppression.
- Mobilizing volunteers to assist with voter registration drives.
Case Study 2: WNBA Players’ Activism During the 2020 Election
During the 2020 election, WNBA players wore custom jerseys with messages about social justice and voting rights. This campaign helped to:
- Generate significant media attention.
- Encourage discussions around the importance of voting.
First-Hand Experiences: Voices of the Players
Many athletes have shared their personal experiences with voter engagement:
Chris Paul: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility. As athletes, we have the platform to make a difference, and we must use it.”
Skylar Diggins-Smith: “I’m proud to be part of a movement that empowers our communities to have their voices heard at the polls.”
Table: Voter Engagement Initiatives by NBA and WNBA Players
| Player/Organization | Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | More Than A Vote | Increased voter registration and awareness about voter suppression. |
| WNBA | Vote Warn Campaign | Highlighted issues impacting women and mobilized local voter turnout. |
| Chris Paul | Community Engagement Events | Boosted awareness about local elections and voter rights. |
| Breanna Stewart | Social Media Outreach | Educated fans on voting processes and deadlines. |
Challenges Faced in Mobilizing Voter Engagement
While NBA and WNBA players are making strides in voter mobilization, they encounter several challenges:
- Voter Apathy: Many young people feel disillusioned with politics, which can result in lower turnout rates.
- Voter Suppression Tactics: Systemic barriers can hinder access to voting for marginalized communities.
- Lack of Information: Many potential voters are unaware of local election processes and voting rights.
Conclusion
As the 2024 elections approach, the collaborative efforts of NBA and WNBA players in mobilizing voter engagement highlight the significant role athletes can play in fostering civic participation. By using their platforms to encourage voter registration, educate communities, and combat voter suppression, they are paving the way for a more engaged and informed electorate.
As fans and community members, we can support these initiatives by actively participating in local elections and spreading the word about the importance of voting!
