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Data: The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport; Chart: Axios Visuals

The NBA and WNBA have frequently taken the lead on athlete activism and social issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Why it matters: This is at least partly due to their racial make-up — and not just at the player level. Both leagues received A+ scores for racial hiring in 2019, per The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.

Professional basketball leads the way in Black representation

The WNBA and NBA received A+ scores for racial hiring in 2019.

National Basketball Association (NBA)

NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL

Black History Month

The NBA and WNBA have frequently taken the lead on athlete activism and social issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement.Why it matters: This is at least partly due to their racial make-up — and not just at the player level. Both leagues received A+ scores for racial hiring in 2019, per The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Professional basketball leads the way in Black representation

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