Sports Stars and the 2024 Presidential Election: The Athlete Endorsement Playbook
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The Intersection of American Sports and Politics: A High-Stakes Election
The 2024 U.S. presidential race captivated the globe, turning into an event as intensely followed as any major sports championship. From lively family discussions and spirited office pools to political wagers around the world, political fervor gripped the nation and beyond. Amid this heightened attention, prominent athletes broke the longstanding “keep politics out of sports” convention, using their influence to support their preferred candidates.
For the first time, the political arena welcomed unprecedented participation from sports icons. Athletes openly championed candidates—endorsing them at rallies, appearing in campaign ads, or simply sporting political merchandise—hoping their star power would inspire fans and voters alike.
The Outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election
When the dust settled on Election Day, Donald Trump emerged with a commanding victory. However, the extent to which athletic endorsements swayed voters remains open to debate. What is undeniable is the powerful influence sports stars wield in American life. The cross-section of sports and politics in 2024 was particularly evident as numerous athletes publicly entered political discussions, adding their voices to an already dynamic landscape.
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Notable Athletes Who Endorsed the Democratic Ticket
As the 2024 campaign ramped up, Democrats recognized the importance of engaging younger male voters, a demographic many believed leaned toward Trump. In response, Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz created a coalition named “Athletes for Harris,” which launched at the end of September with over 75 sports figures on board.
The group’s mission focused on leveraging the trust athletes command among fans, especially younger audiences, making them valuable campaign allies. The ten high-profile co-chairs steering this initiative represented a wide range of sports:
– Steve Kerr – Head Coach, Golden State Warriors, and five-time NBA champion player
– Magic Johnson – NBA Hall of Famer
– Billie Jean King – 12-time Grand Slam tennis champion
– Chris Paul – 12-time NBA All-Star
– Doc Rivers – Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks
– Ali Krieger – Two-time Women’s World Cup soccer champion
– Candace Parker – Three-time WNBA champion
– Dawn Staley – Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks
– Ali Truwit – Two-time Paralympic silver medalist
– Thomas Booker – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Several of these leaders participated directly in campaign activities. Steve Kerr notably addressed the Democratic National Convention, relaying a recorded message of support from Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
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Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the Washington Commanders, took center stage in commercials supporting Harris and drew an analogy between the presidential race and competitive sports. Emphasizing Harris’s readiness for the presidency, Johnson encouraged fellow athletes to publicly voice their support.
LeBron James, four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, also publicly threw his weight behind Harris in the final days of the campaign. Via social media, James voiced the importance of the election for his family, urging followers to cast votes in favor of Harris.
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James has long been active in political spheres, establishing the “More than a Vote” initiative in 2020, initially aiming to promote voting rights and criminal justice reform. For 2024, with WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike taking the helm, the focus shifted to reproductive rights, aligning with a central issue of the election year. While neither Ogwumike nor the organization directly endorsed Harris, their priorities closely mirrored those of the Democratic ticket.
Support also came from within the WNBA, with New York Liberty players Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Kennedy Burke, and Courtney Vandersloot making headlines by wearing “Pres” t-shirts featuring Kamala Harris’s image during a pregame appearance.
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Prominent Sports Figures Standing Behind the GOP
Unlike Harris’s structured approach, Donald Trump’s campaign saw more organic support from sports celebrities, yet still drew big names.
One of the most visible supporters was WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, who brought spectacle to GOP campaign events. Hogan’s high-energy appearances—such as ripping his shirt on stage—helped galvanize crowds at key moments, including the Republican National Convention and a major rally at Madison Square Garden.
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Other notable endorsements included Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who publicly cited Trump’s pro-life stance in October interviews. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa further demonstrated support by wearing a MAGA hat during a key postgame interview. When asked about any repercussions for his political display after Trump’s victory, Bosa expressed confidence in his right to speak out, noting, “The nation spoke, and we got what we got.”
Professional golf also played a role, with 1995 Open Championship winner John “Wild Thing” Daly and 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau expressing their allegiance. Daly vocalized the sentiment of PGA professionals supporting Trump, while DeChambeau joined Trump on stage during the president-elect’s victory speech, donning the iconic MAGA hat.
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Influential Sports Personalities on the Campaign Trail
While Joe Rogan is chiefly recognized for his podcast and UFC commentary rather than athletic accomplishments, his influence among sports fans is remarkable. Through “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan offered Trump a prominent platform during the campaign. After interviewing public figures like Elon Musk, Rogan publicly stated his endorsement of Trump, crediting Musk’s arguments for shaping his choice.
Sports executive Dana White, President of the UFC, also lent strong support to Trump. Their association dates back to the early 2000s, when Trump allowed UFC events at his properties, supporting the sport when few others would. White’s public endorsements included introducing Trump at the Republican National Convention and celebrating Trump’s election night win.
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How the Major Leagues Promoted Civic Engagement
The involvement of professional leagues in the electoral process broadened in 2024. The NFL, for instance, launched “NFL Votes,” a nonpartisan initiative focused on promoting voter registration and turnout. Commercials featuring players like Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders), Adam Thielen (Carolina Panthers), and former Bengals and Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth were aired during NFL broadcasts, while the league’s social media channels reinforced the call to action as Election Day neared.
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The NBA and WNBA also pushed for civic participation under the “Get in the Game. Vote.” campaign. These efforts highlighted practical voting information, stressing the importance of involvement and enlisting major-league athletes such as Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, and Chris Paul.
Although the NHL did not coordinate a league-wide voting initiative, a number of teams encouraged fans to vote via team-operated social media accounts. In contrast, Major League Baseball primarily avoided making election-related statements.
Athletes, Elections, and the New Era of Influence
The 2024 presidential election demonstrated just how much America’s favorite sports intersect with political life. From public endorsements and campaign rally speeches to league-wide get-out-the-vote efforts, athletes and sports leaders left a visible mark on the final months of the race. In an environment where every endorsement counts and every voice is magnified, it’s clear that sports and politics can—and do—share the same playing field.
