Professional athletes have gained increasing influence over presidential elections through their endorsements, activism, and public statements. With massive fan bases and social media followings, athletes can reach audiences who might not typically engage in politics, especially younger voters.
NBA superstar LeBron James supported Joe Biden in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. He started a campaign called "More Than a Vote" to fight voter suppression, especially in Black communities. LeBron used social media and public events to encourage people to vote, focusing on swing states like Ohio and Michigan. His support for Biden and his efforts to get people to vote made a big difference in these areas where athletes have a strong influence.
According to Pew Research, 54% of adults aged 18-29 use social media to find information about political events such as protests. This aligns with LeBron’s efforts, which registered over 300,000 new voters, many of whom came from underrepresented groups like Black communities. Additionally, Black social media users are twice as likely as white users to post political content or hashtags, which reflects how athletes activism can effectively change demographics.
Megan Rapinoe, a soccer star and activist, also played a role in politics. She spoke out against Donald Trump and supported candidates like Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020. Rapinoe’s fight for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice matched the goals of Biden’s campaign. She used her influence to encourage people who agreed with her views to vote for candidates who promised to bring change.
Even though Colin Kaepernick didn’t endorse any specific candidates, his activism against racial injustice has had a longtime impact on politics. His protest during the national anthem inspired other athletes to speak out about issues like racism and police reform.
These endorsements don’t always convert into votes, but they can significantly shape public perception of a candidate. Athletes who were admired for their determination, leadership, and social justice advocacy lend credibility to the political figures they support, helping to humanize them and make them more relatable to voters.
In addition to endorsing candidates, many athletes speak out on various social justice issues. Their stance on these topics can influence public opinions and align voters with candidates who share similar views. However, not all reactions to political stances are positive.
Despite mixed reactions, professional athletes continue to be important players in political discourse, using their platforms to engage with political and social issues that resonate with their fans. Their influence on elections is growing, and their voices are becoming harder to ignore in the political arena.
While endorsements may not always directly translate into votes, athletes like LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe, and Colin Kaepernick can play a significant role in shaping public opinion and encouraging voter participation. Athletes impact on political discourse continues to grow, building important figures in both sports and politics.