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Report: NBA, WNBA courts to feature 'Black Lives Matter' when play resumes

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc. / Getty

The NBA and WNBA are planning to paint "Black Lives Matter" inside both sidelines of all courts that will host games when their respective seasons resume, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne.

WNBA players have reportedly spoken with the league about wearing warm-up shirts with the phrase, "Say Her Name," to raise awareness for female victims of police brutality, including Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police in her home in March.

Players from both leagues have participated in rallies across the U.S. to protest racial injustice and police brutality following George Floyd's death in police custody.

The National Basketball Players Association has been outspoken about ensuring that the NBA places an emphasis on social justice when it returns in late July.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard and NBPA president Chris Paul confirmed this week that the league and union are in talks to allow players to replace the last name on their jersey with a social justice statement when play resumes in Orlando.

English Premier League players swapped the last names on their jerseys for "Black Lives Matter" during the first round of matches following their league's return.

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