For anyone who thinks all leagues are cynical and afraid to take a stand on any issue like this, the NBA relocated its all-star game from Charlotte after North Carolina passed a repugnant 'bathroom bill'
https://rainesinternational.com/why-...ion-in-sports/
Quote:
By taking a stand against LGBTQ discrimination, the NBA builds its position as a leader in the fight for diversity in the sports industry. ESPN stood with the NBA’s decision, noting its own support of inclusion. Weeks after the NBA’s progressive decision, the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) announced it is moving seven championship games out of North Carolina, including the opening rounds of the 2017 Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, part of March Madness.
Days later, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) joined the NCAA in relocating all neutral-site championships this season. These organizations all stand to lose money they have already invested and risked upsetting partners who have committed to spending big on the events. But, their decision was made much easier by the NBA being first out of the gate, and giving the others cover to announce similar decisions.
As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver put it, this was a business decision, but it was also a safe bet. Charlotte officials estimate the economic impact of losing the All-Star Weekend could be around $100 million. Though some costs are not recoverable, the cost of doing nothing could have been much greater. Not only would the NBA’s reputation be on the line, but cheerful photos of the NBA/WNBA/NBDL athletes may have been replaced on front pages by community protests. Indeed, there is a good chance that the NBA’s own players and staff would have participated in thoughtful protests. Instead, the NBA has received positive press with players and staff praising the league’s decision in earned media.
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You could argue that a fixed date event created a binary choice situation to stay or relocate and the choice was obvious, it seems to me that far more organizations try to walk a tightrope of careful verbal platitudes while avoiding concrete action.
I made a rational and intentional decision to stop watching the NFL years ago because I realized the product kinda sucked (obviously my opinion) and the league was particularly morally repugnant. I never believed any other league was 'righteous' by any means, but giving this a bit of rational though I think the NHL has proven itself unworthy of my attention. Not that it matters to them as I'm not really a $$ customer, but I think I'll sit this season out. At least until ~May if this team gives me reason to be a mild hypocrite.