Sports World Reacts to Supreme Court’s Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

The decision comes a day after the 50-year anniversary of Title IX legislation.

On Friday morning, the United States Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, meaning that the constitutional right to abortion no longer exists. 

The decision caused reactions on social media throughout the day as people tried to register how life will change after the ruling.

It comes just one day after the 50th anniversary of Title IX. These two historic events occurring back to back created mixed emotions for many sports figures who celebrated women’s rights on Thursday, and then questioned SCOTUS’s ruling on Friday.

The sports world, including various women’s teams and sports reporters, added their thoughts to the conversation. 

Organizations like the WNBPA wrote lengthy posts on social media to express the majority of the players’ thoughts on the decision.

This ruling provides a treacherous pathway to abortion bans that reinforce economic, social and political inequalities and could lead to higher rates of maternal mortality while eviscerating rights to reproductive freedom for everyone. #BansOffOurBodies pic.twitter.com/ND8kcx3viL

— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) June 24, 2022

Here’s a roundup of some sports teams reacting to the historic ruling.

Club Statement. pic.twitter.com/PE7ZauaEzR

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) June 24, 2022

pic.twitter.com/XvZARiPBSs

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 24, 2022

Additionally, former prominent sports figures, like Title IX champion Billie Jean King, and current big-name sports figures, like the Storm’s Sue Bird, provided their thoughts on the ruling.

Gutted 💔

— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) June 24, 2022

The Supreme Court has struck down Roe v. Wade, which for nearly 50 years has protected the right to abortion.

This decision will not end abortion.

What it will end is safe and legal access to this vital medical procedure.

It is a sad day in the United States.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 24, 2022

"It just puts women in a terrible position."

A day after the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Female athletes discuss how the ruling will impact the sports landscape going forward. https://t.co/ShI6q6PCnP pic.twitter.com/IEqqTnupky

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 24, 2022

Sports are an amazing tool for advocacy and activism, but at some point we all need to examine our privilege to play and enjoy them and reorient towards fixing the crumbling fabric of our society. You can do both; but make sure you get your priorities aligned.

— Kai (@hiyakaiya) June 24, 2022

Horrific. We knew it was coming and it doesn’t hurt any less.

— Johnny Stanton (@johnnystantoniv) June 24, 2022

just woke up to the news that #RoevWade has been overturn. feeling sick & heartbroken that, once again, the US gov’t has decided that women do not have autonomy over their own bodies.

— Natalie Achonwa (@NatAchon) June 24, 2022

Formula One seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton posted resources to Planned Parenthood and ACLU on his Instagram story. 

“Disgusted by the decision made by the Supreme Court in the US today. I don’t understand why some in power pushed and continue to push to strip rights away from millions of people. This decision will impact the most vulnerable among us. Women, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and so on. The following organizations provide resources to protect the people that need it and fight to ensure peoples rights to choose.” 

Sports journalists and media figures across the country also added to the conversation.

I don’t even know what to say.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 24, 2022

As a man I cannot imagine the pain and anguish being felt by the estimated 36 million American women today’s appalling Supreme Court ruling will affect. Disgusted and increasingly disappointed with the regression being enacted Stateside of late. Solidarity with you all. X

— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) June 24, 2022