What's Happening?
The Chicago Sky, a WNBA team, has initiated partnerships with organizations specializing in national security and violent extremism to address the escalating abuse and threats directed at players. The team has engaged PERIL (Polarization & Extremism Research
& Innovation Lab) from American University, which focuses on preventing radicalization to violent extremism by strengthening community resilience. Additionally, the Sky has hired Moonshot, a threat intelligence group that previously assisted governments in countering terrorism. These collaborations aim to tackle the rise in misogyny, harassment, and online threats that have intensified, particularly since the 2024 season, which saw a surge in the WNBA's popularity. The initiatives include engaging fans in discussions about toxic rhetoric and harassment, and using trivia questions during games to educate the audience on online abuse tactics like 'dogpiling.'
Why It's Important?
This proactive step by the Chicago Sky highlights a growing concern within professional sports, particularly women's sports, regarding the intersection of online abuse, misogyny, and violent extremism. The data collected by Moonshot reveals a significant increase in threats against athletes, with women, especially Black women, disproportionately targeted with racist and sexualized abuse. This trend not only impacts player well-being and performance but also threatens the inclusive and positive environment that has historically characterized the WNBA. The partnerships underscore the recognition that seemingly 'casual' misogyny can escalate into criminal behavior and is linked to broader societal issues, including public violence. By addressing these issues, the Sky aims to protect its players and fans, ensuring the league's continued growth and appeal while setting a precedent for other sports organizations.
What's Next?
The Chicago Sky's collaboration with PERIL and Moonshot is an ongoing effort to implement both 'upstream' and 'downstream' solutions. Upstream efforts focus on changing cultural norms and making misogyny taboo through fan engagement and educational initiatives. Downstream efforts involve using threat intelligence to identify and interrupt abuse before it manifests in the real world. This 'experiment' by the Sky could provide valuable insights and methodologies for other sports leagues and public-facing organizations grappling with similar issues. The success of these programs will likely be measured by a reduction in online harassment and threats, improved player safety, and the maintenance of a positive fan experience. The broader implications could lead to more widespread adoption of similar strategies across the sports industry and beyond, as organizations seek to protect their communities from the growing threat of online extremism and gender-based violence.
Beyond the Headlines
The Chicago Sky's initiative delves into the less obvious, yet critical, connection between online misogyny, gender-based violence, and broader societal extremism. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, PERIL's founder, emphasizes that 60% of U.S. mass shooters since 1949 have a documented history of domestic and intimate partner violence, suggesting a profound link between gender-based abuse and public violence. This highlights a deeper societal issue where normalized misogyny can serve as a gateway to more extreme ideologies and behaviors. The WNBA, with its diverse and empowered female athletes, has become a target for those who perceive it as a threat to conservative cultural ideals, exposing the racial and gender dimensions of online hate. The Sky's efforts are not just about protecting athletes but also about challenging and changing cultural norms that enable such extremism, making it a significant step in addressing a pervasive social problem with far-reaching implications.
