WNBA All-Star Brianna Stewart displayed a sign saying “Abolish ICE” during the player introductions at the Unrivaled event in Miami on Sunday, January 25. Stewart, who played a key role in launching the women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league, was among the few athletes to publicly respond following the shooting death of Alex Preti in Minneapolis. Stewart’s wife, Marta, is an immigrant holding a green card.
“I was exhausted by everything I saw on Instagram and in the news,” Stewart explained. “There’s so much hate right now instead of love, so we wanted to share a straightforward message: ‘Abolish ICE.’ This means creating policies that support families and communities rather than spreading fear and violence.”
Before the game on Saturday, Unrivaled observed a moment of silence, expressing condolences for the recent tragic events in Minnesota and support for those affected.
Preti’s death has led to anger and demonstrations throughout Minnesota, where tensions have been high since 37-year-old Renee Good was killed by ICE agents earlier this month. NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton called it murder on social media, while former Indiana Fever player Brianna Turner stated that anyone defending ICE “will forever be on the wrong side of history.” Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky offered prayers for the country on X, and Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hedeman expressed heartbreak over the violence caused by ICE in her city.
The WNBA is known for its commitment to social justice. Following the 2020 protests after George Floyd’s death, the league and the players’ union highlighted messages like “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Her Name” during warmups. Players also rallied against Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, former Atlanta Dream owner, for her criticisms of the league’s activism, instead supporting her political rival, Raphael Warnock, who ultimately won.
The recent shooting incidents in Minneapolis have sparked a wave of public outcry, reflected in images capturing the tense scenes involving federal immigration agents.
Fan Take: Brianna Stewart’s bold stance reinforces the WNBA’s growing role as a platform for activism and social change, resonating deeply with fans who value the league’s commitment to justice. This kind of leadership could continue to shape the sport’s identity, showing that basketball in the WNBA isn’t just about competition, but also about making a positive impact on society.
