American athletes take a stance on the presidential race set for this Tuesday, featuring Kamala Harris and Donald Trump vying for leadership in the White House. While sports remain a secondary issue in the electoral agendas, figures like LeBron James and Mike Tyson have made their votes public.

In a polarised society, athletes represent not only sporting talent but also act as agents of change and influential voices, capable of motivating certain sectors of the population to participate in the electoral process.

As for the candidates’ political programmes, Harris has proposed increasing support for community and school sports, especially in marginalised communities, aiming to promote access to grassroots sports programmes. Mental health for athletes and gender equality also feature prominently in her agenda, with a commitment to greater funding for initiatives promoting both.

In contrast, Trump has focused his proposals on reducing regulations in the sports sector and promoting events like golf and mixed martial arts. His approach is less regulatory than his opponent’s, emphasising the privatisation of sports programmes.

Support for Kamala Harris

The Democratic candidate has received the endorsement of numerous athletes who see her proposals as a platform for social justice and equality. LeBron James is one of her most prominent supporters. Through his organisation, More Than A Vote, established to combat voter suppression in African American communities, the Lakers player has actively encouraged participation. “What are we even talking about here? When I think of my children, my family, and how they will grow up, my vote is clear. VOTE FOR KAMALA HARRIS!!” he shared on social media.

Stephen Curry, star of the Golden State Warriors, is another who has shown a preference for progressive politics. He voiced his support during the Democratic National Convention, where he described Harris as “a leader with integrity and vision who can bring hope, inspiration, and unity, things we need right now. It’s an honour to support her.” Curry also emphasised the importance of “young people and people of colour knowing that their vote matters,” clearly alluding to Harris’s efforts to encourage participation within minority communities.

In the NBA, other prominent names such as Chris Paul, who has worked on voting campaigns, and former players Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, both civil rights activists, have expressed their support. Johnson stated in an interview that “Harris understands the needs of our community and is committed to an inclusive future for everyone.” Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich have echoed these sentiments, with Popovich being one of Trump’s harshest critics, calling him “a bully and pathetic, a threat to democracy.”

In the WNBA, a league actively engaged in social justice and civil rights issues, players like Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Candace Parker, and former player Dawn Staley have openly endorsed the same candidate. In a public letter, Wilson declared, “We need a leader who understands us and cares about our wellbeing beyond the court.” In a joint interview, Bird and Taurasi agreed that “Harris is the hope for real change on issues of justice and equity.”

Harris’s support also extends beyond basketball. Tennis legend Billie Jean King, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles, has highlighted the importance of having a president committed to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. “Kamala represents inclusion, respect, and equality in all spheres, including sports,” King said at an event supporting the candidate. Track and field legend Carl Lewis has described Harris as “someone who understands what it means to fight for every step you take.”

In women’s football, Megan Rapinoe, a long-standing opponent of Trump, has become one of Harris’s most outspoken supporters. She has actively campaigned on social media and at numerous public events. “Kamala is the type of leader we need to challenge the status quo and fight for equality and justice,” she said in an interview. She also posted emphatically on Instagram: “Only 15 days left to make our voices heard at the polls! I’m voting for Kamala Harris because I believe in the power of coalition-building, that’s how we create lasting change.”

Among NFL supporters are former players Mel Blount, Emmitt Smith, Kellen Winslow, Andre Tippett, and Calvin Johnson. Johnson noted that Harris “not only listens but acts, and that’s what we need.” Meanwhile, young tennis star Coco Gauff has highlighted how inspiring it is for people of colour to see a Black woman on the presidential ballot, a symbol of racial progress. “It’s incredible to see someone who could be one of us now running for President of the United States.”

Support for Donald Trump

On the other side of the race is Donald Trump, who has focused on appealing to notable figures from combat sports, where an audience with shared conservative values exists. Trump has appeared at major sporting events and has leveraged his connection with sports figures to reinforce his “Make America Great Again” message, appealing to a traditional patriotism and conservative values that resonate with part of the UFC’s fan base.

Famed former boxer Mike Tyson has long praised the Republican candidate for his pragmatism and loyalty in business and has openly stated he will vote for him. “Trump is straightforward and authentic, someone who understands the struggle.” Tyson represents a segment of the electorate that values the former president’s confrontational style. Boxer (and YouTuber) Jake Paul has also backed Trump, posting a video on social media in which he addresses voters directly: “Do the right thing, vote for Donald Trump. Not because I say so (…) but because it’s the right thing to do.”

Another ardent supporter of this political line is Dana White, president of the UFC and a close friend of the former president. “Dear Americans, if you want the best for your family and for the country, vote for Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States,” White said at a rally held at Madison Square Garden. This approach has been effective in attracting younger male, working-class voters who see Trump as a figure challenging the current political landscape.

This message has also resonated with active fighters such as Sean Strickland, who stated that Trump “is a strong leader,” and Henry Cejudo, who believes that Trump “stands for the values of a strong, united nation.” Evan Elder even dedicated his victory in the octagon to “his friend Trump” following an attempted attack on the former president.

Trump’s effort to win votes among combat sports enthusiasts led to some controversy on Monday. The candidate used images of Olympic boxer Imane Khelif in a campaign video. Despite Khelif facing online harassment for gender-related issues, Trump used her image to criticise the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports and attack the Biden-Harris administration.

The NFL also has figures in favour of the Republican, such as Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a Catholic who champions conservative values. Butker has stated that Trump “represents the defence of faith and free speech,” which he believes must be upheld and sees in Trump a defender of these values.

Professional wrestling is another area inclined towards this side of the spectrum. Iconic WWE figures like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker have backed Trump’s “law and order” message. Hogan, one of his most iconic supporters, said, “Trump is someone who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is, and that’s what we need.”

In motorsports, Danica Patrick, one of the few women to compete in NASCAR and IndyCar, has also endorsed Trump. Known for her pragmatic approach, Patrick stated that her support for Trump “is a matter of common sense; we need a strong leader who defends everyone’s interests.”

Trump has gained further support from figures such as NFL legend Brett Favre, who commented that Trump “has brought back respect for traditional values.” Golf icon Jack Nicklaus has been among the most emphatic in this regard, declaring that “Trump loves this country and has fought tirelessly for its citizens.” Nicklaus even posted a letter on social media encouraging his followers to vote for Trump, noting that he “wasn’t always a popular politician, but he has always cared about America’s future.”

Among others sharing this stance are NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, who stated that “Trump understands the sport and American culture,” and former baseball player David Ortiz, who has expressed that “Trump is the man for the job, and we need someone who cares about our nation.”

With these endorsements, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are persuading sectors of the population that value the influence of athletes in society. For Harris, support from athletes has been essential in mobilising young people and marginalised communities, while Trump has found resonance in combat sports and disciplines where patriotism and conservative values are prominent. Athletes have taken their convictions to the political arena, playing an important role in the public conversation surrounding the 2024 presidential election.

-insidethegames