WNBA Players Wear ‘Vote Warnock’ Shirts Opposing Team Co-Owner

WNBA players from multiple teams recently wore “Vote Warnock” warmup shirts in opposition to Atlanta Dream co-owner and U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, following her comments against the league’s decision to support the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The teams that participated were: the Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, and —of course— the Atlanta Dream.

Seattle Storm player, Sue Bird.

Loeffler is set to be on the ballot in November against Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. In a tweet, WNBA star Sue Bird wrote, “We are WNBA players, but like the late great John Lewis said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision.”

We are @wnba players, but like the late great John Lewis said, we are also ordinary people with extraordinary vision. @ReverendWarnock has spent his life fighting for the people and we need him in Washington. Join the movement for a better Georgia at https://t.co/yoJkjDeYy7 pic.twitter.com/IwK6xRqTIJ

— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) August 5, 2020

While pictures sparked a lot of attention, Loeffler made sure she voiced her disapproval of the players’ decision to go against her. “This is just more proof that the out of control cancel culture wants to shut out anyone who disagrees with them.” She continued, “It’s clear that the league is more concerned with playing politics than basketball.”

Seattle Storm player, Brianna Stewart.

In early July, the WNBA players union called for Loeffler to step down from being a co-owner. The union’s mission is to “protect the rights of the WNBA players and safeguard the welfare of all WNBA players, both on and off the court.” Despite Loeffler’s desire for players to stop protesting, players plan to continue to use their voices and platforms.

The WNBPA also got the attention of political leader Stacey Abrams, who wrote on Twitter, “I am proud of these players. Thank you for connecting the dots between social justice & voting. Reverend Warnock is one of the bright stars vying for U.S. Senate in Georgia – he’s got this.”

The WNBA is known for their protests, but as of late, players haven’t been alone. The NBA has started to be more involved in activism. In a recent press release, the NBA announced that they will be donating $300 million in the span of a decade through the NBA Foundation, which strives to economically empower black communities mainly through education and youth employment. 

All 30 NBA teams will donate $1 million a year. Some of the foundation’s plans are to invest in “youth employment and internship programs, STEM fields, job shadows and apprenticeships, development pathways outside of traditional higher education, career placement, professional mentorship, networking and specific partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum made a point to include that the initiative is to “support and empower young Black men and women… as well as communities across the U.S. and Canada.”

While discussing movements to promote change, Oklahoma City Thunder player, Chris Paul said, “We’re just [going to] keep it going… [trying to] encourage people to vote, continue to keep Breonna Taylor‘s name out there, supporting our WNBA women out there. Keep educating ourselves.”

WNBA players plan to continue to wear the “Vote Warnock” shirts as a form of protest and to encourage viewers to vote. Players have also designed special uniforms honoring Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by Louisville police executing a no-knock search warrant in March.