PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 23: Plenette Pierson #33 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at US Airways Center on August 23, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Liberty defeated the Mercury 74-70.
With the WNBA slated to start its season later this month, on Monday, the league and the WNBPA agreed to have the names of women who have been killed in incidents related to racial violence or police brutality of their jerseys instead of the players’ names.
This decision comes on the heels of a new league initiative called “The Social Justice Movement” to help with social justice issues in communities across the nation.
Some of the names that will be featured on players jerseys, include Beonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers at her home while she was sleeping back in March, and Sandra Bland, who was found dead in her jail cell back in 2015.
Players will also wear warm-up shirts with the phrases “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Her Name.” The league will also have “Black Lives Matter” displayed on the court at their games this season.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
On December 3, 1998, pro wrestling star Paul Wight, who's better known as The Big…
On April 19, 2025, former NFL player Justin Blackmon was arrested and charged with public…
In May 2002, backyard fighting legend Kimbo Slice was arrested for a felony gun charge…
On December 21, 2009, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was involved in an incident where…
On March 5, 2007, Metta Sandiford-Artest, who's formerly known as Ron Artest, was arrested on…
On February 17, 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner was detained in Moscow because Russian customs…