WNBA: Post-election, players must remain steadfast in activism

Throughout the history of the WNBA, the personal always has been political.

It’s never just been about playing basketball for a living, it’s been about simply living. From a livable salary to maternal benefits to bodily autonomy to identity integrity, the players of the WNBA have no other option but to confront these pertinent matters. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the players engage in social justice activism—because they have to live with it every day.

As the nation prepares for a second presidential term of Donald Trump after he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the US presidential election, many are expressing concern. if not outright fear, for what lies ahead. Those heightened anxieties are especially evident among women, people of color, immigrants and LGBTQ+ people. All of whom make up the bulk of the WNBA and its fan base.

While the future is unknown, what is known is the WNBA must continue—if not become stronger—in its pursuit of social justice.

The WNBA should be credited with the beginning of what is known as the “third wave of athlete activism” in 2016. One month before NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee…