Skip to content

WNBA jerseys to honor 'forgotten victims of racial violence'

Ned Dishman / National Basketball Association / Getty

The WNBA and WNBPA announced Monday the various ways the league will honor the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the upcoming campaign.

During the opening weekend of the regular season later this month, players will wear special uniforms "to seek justice for the women and girls, including Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Vanessa Guillen, and many more who have been the forgotten victims of police brutality and racial violence."

The jerseys will specifically honor Taylor, the league said, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne.

Players will also wear warm-up shirts throughout the entirety of the campaign that display "Black Lives Matter" on the front and "Say Her Name" on the back. The words "Black Lives Matter" will feature prominently on courts during the 22-game season.

"We are incredibly proud of WNBA players who continue to lead with their inspiring voices and effective actions in the league's dedicated fight against systemic racism and violence," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said through the joint statement. "Working together with the WNBPA and the teams, the league aims to highlight players' social justice efforts throughout the 2020 season and beyond."

Both parties also announced the creation of "The Justice Movement" - a new platform for WNBA players - in addition to a Social Justice Council.

The newly formed Social Justice Council will be "a driving force of necessary and continuing conversations about race, voting rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and gun control."

The council will be led by players including Layshia Clarendon, Sydney Colson, Breanna Stewart, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, A'ja Wilson, and Satou Sabally. It will work to designate spaces for community conversations, organize virtual roundtables, and record player-produced podcasts.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox