This year, front-page headlines and heated debates have called attention to the intersection of the sports world and political and social issues.
 
To tap into the amazing unifying power and platform that sports provide, ADL launched the Sports Leadership Council in 2017. This initiative enables ADL to work in partnership with professional athletes and sports leaders to promote positive social change and combat hate, bullying and discrimination in our society. The Council’s membership includes Hall of Fame athletes and Olympians, commissioners of the top professional leagues and college conferences, team owners, media and sports executives and civil rights leaders. Among the first members to join the Council were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Billie Jean King and Ronnie Lott.
 
“Sports have a long history bringing about positive societal change,” says Pac-12 Commissioner and Sports Leadership Council Co-Chair Larry Scott, “and we are excited to benefit from the expertise of a leading civil rights organization like ADL.”

“Sports has been the great equalizer for me, and I welcome the opportunity to join ADL and fellow leaders in the sports world to confront society’s issues head on, just as we did as athletes.” - Billie Jean King, Tennis Legend and Founding Member, Sports Leadership Council

ADL in the Media