The WNBA has consistently been vocal in advocating for social justice and important causes. On June 12, the WNBPA partnered with the NWSLPA to release a joint statement acknowledging the ongoing turmoil in the United States and globally, emphasizing their support for everyone seeking dignity, respect, and opportunity regardless of their background. In response to recent tragic events, prominent players like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink also shared their reactions publicly.
Outrage surged after video footage showed Alex Jeffrey Preti being fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, prompting widespread anger on social media. Protests erupted statewide, and the Washington Post reported that about 100 clergy members were arrested during a demonstration opposing deportation flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Cameron Brink quickly shared this news with her 1.3 million Instagram followers, while also reposting New York Times reporter Meena Harris’s tweet revealing new footage of Preti’s final moments as he tried to assist a woman attacked and killed by masked agents. Angel Reese offered a simple, heartfelt plea: “Pray for our country.”
During the offseason, Brink and Reese will pursue different paths—Brink will participate in the Unrivaled league, while Reese has several collaborations underway. Their statements reflected a broader response within the WNBA community; Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league created by Nafeesa Collier and Brianna Stewart, also took time to honor the victims. Amid ongoing tensions in Minnesota and the nation, Unrivaled paused before a recent game for a moment of silence, expressing solidarity and sympathy for those impacted.
Collier, a Minnesota Lynx player, holds a personal connection to the area. Alongside Stewart, she serves as vice president of the WNBPA and was instrumental in crafting the June 12 statement. In a related incident, the NBA postponed a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors to prioritize community safety following the shooting, which occurred just two miles from the arena and reignited local protests.
Fan Take:
This moment underscores how deeply intertwined social issues are with the players and leagues that WNBA fans care about. By standing united and vocal, the WNBA community not only raises awareness but also strengthens the sport’s identity as a platform for change and advocacy, which will resonate throughout women’s basketball moving forward.
