In a bygone era, N.B.A. teams enforced an unofficial quota on Black players, fearing that a too Black team might alienate its white audience. Today, the N.B.A. is celebrated as one of the world's most progressive sports organizations. N.B.A. and W.N.B.A. players have consistently demonstrated they can be drivers of change, helping to create a more just and equal society.
The N.B.A., after struggling with racism and injustice, is now a leading advocate of diversity, positioning social justice as a core mission. The league has aligned with movements like Black Lives Matter and established initiatives such as the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.
However, the N.B.A.'s commitment to social justice contrasts with its recent partnership with Abu Dhabi, a nation accused of human rights violations. This raises a critical question: Can the N.B.A. maintain its standing as a beacon of its professed ideals while partnering with such a regime?
The upcoming Abu Dhabi games underscore the persistent conflict between the league's professed values and its engagement with an authoritarian regime, highlighting the challenges of balancing global business with ethical considerations.
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