Our Priorities

Mission

The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that leads the NBA family’s collaborative efforts to advance social justice and dismantle racial inequality. Formed jointly by the NBA, NBPA, and NBCA in 2020, the Coalition leverages the game of basketball’s influence to promote policy (advocate for federal, state, and local laws advancing racial and social justice), build strategic partnerships (facilitate collective impact), and empower action (support player, team and NBA-wide advocacy). 

Approach

How do we do the work? We ACT:

  • ADVOCATE for better laws and policies
  • CONVENE to bring people together to build political power
  • TELL THE STORY of change

Issues

Voting Rights

Strengthen democracy through civic participation by turning out voters, combating laws that suppress votes, and supporting expanded access.

FAST FACTS

33

In 2021 alone, 33 laws have been enacted in 19 states to restrict access to voting. 1

2X

On average, Black people had to wait in line to vote for twice as long as white people. 2

Policing

Focus efforts on policies that strive for equitable, consistent, safe, and transparent policing.

FAST FACTS

3X

Black people are 3 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than white people. 3

$3b

American cities have spent more than $3 billion to settle misconduct lawsuits over the past 10 years. 4

Criminal Justice

Stem entry into the justice system and eliminate harmful effects and collateral consequences of justice system involvement.

FAST FACTS

500%

More than 2 million people are incarcerated in the United states, an increase of 500% over the last 40 years. 5

19.1%

In 2017, Black males received sentences 19.1% longer than similarly situated white males, and were 6 times as likely to be incarcerated. 6

1Brennan Center for Justice, 2021; 2Charles Stweart III – Waiting to Vote in 2012 Report; 3Mapping Police Violence.org/2021; 4The Marshall Project/2021; 5The Sentencing Project/Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research/2021; 6United States Sentencing Commission, 2017 & The Sentencing Project, 2021