Basketball presents an interesting case when it comes to its nationalistic and patriotic roots. In the US, the sport is dominated by black players and has come to be associated with black culture. This makes the gap between the ownership of the sport by one race and the ownership of the organization and business by the other a growing tension. 

 

Nonetheless, basketball has been the one sport that has empowered their black athletes and treated them as partners in ways that other sports are not doing. With a significantly higher percentage of athletes of color, as well as the individual star nature of the players that get more media attention, the NBA has a platform that makes engaging in this activism easier. Additionally, the commissioner of the league has taken a more active and responsible role.

 

In response to the recent agenda for greater action to recognize those impacted by police brutality, a player such as Lebron James and Russel Westbrook have taken an active role in being advocates for the cause. Other players have shown their support by wearing victims' names on their clothes and being outspoken on social media (10). 

 

However, the NBA’s handling of the situation is still far from perfect. They have recently come under fire for backtracking on some of the activist messaging that was displayed on courts and jerseys. This had made some feel that the organization was only acting out of necessity and may not have had pure intentions (11). 

 

Additionally, at the start of this season Maverick’s owner, Mark Cuban decided to stop playing the National Anthem before games. Many players were relieved with this development as they were no longer forced to make a statement with their decision to either stand or kneel for the song. However, as soon as the league got word of Cuban’s decision they stated that they expect all teams to play the National Anthem in accordance with league policy (12). 

 

Regardless, the NBA is still seeing the greatest push for activism and change that is long overdue. The important push that players and higher-ups in the league are providing continues to inspire other sports to follow suit and serves as a sense of hope for continued efforts in the future.