LA’s 11 pro teams join to fight racial injustice

The 11 professional sports organizations in greater Los Angeles are joining together in a bid to enact societal change and eradicate racial injustice.

The ALLIANCE: Los Angeles will partner with the Play Equity Fund, a charity established to drive social change within Los Angeles communities through programming and sports. The alliance aims to “drive investment and impact for social justice through sport” and to better cater to under-served populations, with an emphasis on Black communities.

The 11 professional teams making a five-year commitment are the NFL’s Rams and Chargers, MLB’s Dodgers and Angels, NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, NHL’s Kings and Anaheim Ducks, WNBA’s Sparks and MLS’ Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club.

“The Los Angeles region is one of the world’s most competitive markets, and sports is one of the world’s most competitive industries. But these organizations are putting their competitive instincts aside to work collaboratively for social justice,” said Renata Simril, president of the Play Equity Fund.

Individual teams also are contributing their own initiatives to the overall effort. The Kings have created The LA Kings Inclusion Initiative, which seeks to help eliminate racism within hockey.

The alliance and Play Equity Fund will hold a Sports for Social Justice Symposium on July 22, coinciding with National Youth Sports Week. The webinar includes social justice leaders, sports commentators and representatives from the alliance’s teams.