The courts of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where the 2020 WNBA season will be played. | WNBA
The WNBA unveils the courts of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where the 2020 season will be played.
When the WNBA tips off its 2020 season on Saturday, July 25, from the IMG Academy “bubble” in COVID-19-ravaged Florida, the focus will be on the nation’s other pandemic: racism.
While Natasha Cloud (Washington Mystics) and Renee Montgomery (Atlanta Dream) opted out of the season to further racial justice efforts outside of the bubble, those who agreed to play in these unprecedented conditions made it clear to the league that the show would go on only if the WNBA joined the players in devoting the season toward social justice initiatives.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert agreed and stood by players when one team owner did not.
Now, the stage is set, and Swish Appeal brings you a first look at the BLACK LIVES MATTER-emblazoned courts on which the 2020 season will be played.
A united front
The team logos situated beneath the WNBA name and bookended by the iconic league logo sends an undeniable message of unity.
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#SAYHERNAME
The players will be wearing the names of Black Americans killed by police on the backs of their jerseys, along with the #SAYHERNAME hashtag.
‘Make Way’ … or get shoved over
The league dropped its “Make Way” brand anthem video on Friday featuring A’ja Wilson, Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Nneka Ogwumike and more. It is narrated by four-time WNBA champion Seimone Augustus.
During opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, the league will debut its Social Justice Anthem, which was written by Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, and narrated by Seimone Augustus.