Before the Sky entered the bubble, they made a pact with one another: Anything they were going to do — whether it pertained to their fight for social justice or deciding to play this season — they were going to do it together.
After the team agreed they were going to enter the WNBA bubble — or “Wubble” — in Bradenton, Florida, to address some “unfinished business,” the Sky joined the WNBA in dedicated this season to social justice.
However, they knew they wanted to do more than what the league was already planning to do.
So for the last two months, the team collectively has been pondering ways they can productively use their growing platform to help facilitate change and continue the conversation about systemic racism.
And on Tuesday, Sky players unveiled their plans of how they’re going to do just that.
Spearheaded by Gabby Williams and Diamond DeShields, Sky players launched a new social justice initiative, “Sky Takes Action,” a campaign where players will donate their own money — based on game-day performance — to five local organizations: By the Hand Club for Kids, BYP100, The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago and Future Ties.
The plan is to donate $10 per each point scored and an additional $100 for each win. If the team loses, they plan to donate $50. Williams said the money will be equally divided amongst the players, who will pool their money every few weeks.
After Sunday’s thrilling 88-86 victory against the Aces, the Sky have already racked up $980 for charity.
The Sky hope their donations will be matched by fans and sponsors and are encouraging fans to join the conversation using the hashtag, #SkyTakesAction. The players are also in discussion with the team’s ownership group to see if they would like to contribute as well.
The Sky will be promoting this campaign throughout the season, with the players wearing special warmups and gear. The team’s website will also be collecting donations.
Williams also said the team plans to auction off some game-worn items, exclusive FaceTime calls with players and more later this season.
