# Pride Night > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pride_Night > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pride_Night.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Night > Source revision: 1356129847 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Globalize|article|sports leagues in the United States and Canada|date=April 2026}} {{Use American English|date=March 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Short description|LGBTQ-themed games hosted by sports teams}} [[File:Martin Jones during warmups.jpg|thumb|upright=1|[Martin Jones](/source/Martin_Jones_(ice_hockey)) of the [Seattle Kraken](/source/Seattle_Kraken) wears a rainbow-themed jersey during a Pride Night game in 2023.]] A '''Pride Night''' (also called '''Pride Day''' or '''Pride game''') is a game hosted by a sports team to recognize and attract individuals from the [LGBTQ](/source/LGBTQ) community. During such a game, the home team acknowledges LGBTQ fans and honors certain individuals or groups. The first Pride Night by a team in a [major U.S. and Canadian league](/source/Major_professional_sports_leagues_in_the_United_States_and_Canada) was hosted by the [Los Angeles Dodgers](/source/Los_Angeles_Dodgers) of [Major League Baseball](/source/Major_League_Baseball) (MLB) in 2000, and since then, Pride events have been hosted by teams in most major leagues. Some leagues, teams, and players have limited their association with Pride celebrations, causing controversy. == Description == MLB teams often dedicate certain regular season games for specific groups or for specific causes, often as a way to attract members of these communities to their games.{{Cite book |last=Jozsa |first=Frank P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hI4rDQAAQBAJ |title=Major League Baseball Organizations: Team Performances and Financial Consequences |publisher=[Lexington Books](/source/Lexington_Books) |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-4985-4279-1 |location=Lanham, Maryland |pages=145–146 |oclc=959373274}} For instance, in 2015, the [Philadelphia Phillies](/source/Philadelphia_Phillies) hosted numerous regular season events at their home venue, [Citizens Bank Park](/source/Citizens_Bank_Park), such as [Jackie Robinson Salute](/source/Jackie_Robinson_Day) in April, [First Responders](/source/First_responders) Night in May, and Grandparents Day in September. Pride Night events, which recognize the [LGBTQ community](/source/LGBTQ_community), are typically held in June, which is [Pride Month](/source/Pride_Month).{{Cite web |last=Schultz |first=Ken |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Your 2024 guide to all 29 MLB LGBTQ Pride Nights |url=https://www.outsports.com/2024/5/29/24094578/mlb-pride-night-guide-2024-rainbow-jersey-baseball-fanny-pack-banner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920063738/https://www.outsports.com/2024/5/29/24094578/mlb-pride-night-guide-2024-rainbow-jersey-baseball-fanny-pack-banner/ |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}} In 2021, the [Los Angeles Dodgers](/source/Los_Angeles_Dodgers)' Pride Night was one of the first Pride events to take place in the city that year.{{Cite news |last=Knight |first=Molly |date=June 11, 2021 |title=Dodgers exec Erik Braverman on Pride Nights and the importance of clubs staying involved with LGBTQ+ communities year-round |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2644105/2021/06/11/dodgers-exec-erik-braverman-on-pride-nights-and-the-importance-of-clubs-staying-involved-with-lgbtq-communities-year-round/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320194234/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2644105/2021/06/11/dodgers-exec-erik-braverman-on-pride-nights-and-the-importance-of-clubs-staying-involved-with-lgbtq-communities-year-round/ |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} Pride Night games typically see a higher turnout of LGBTQ fans than normal, with Dodgers executive Erik Braverman estimating that up to half of the audience for their 2021 event being members of the LGBTQ community. During the events, LGBTQ-themed team merchandise is usually sold or given away, while LGBTQ symbols, such as pride flags and rainbow colors, are prominently displayed in the venue.{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2023 |title=AP Photos: MLB teams celebrate LGBTQ+ community with ballpark Pride Nights |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-pride-nights-photos-8b5051534091de97d5369a448c3aed12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041831/https://apnews.com/article/mlb-pride-nights-photos-8b5051534091de97d5369a448c3aed12 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} == Major League Baseball == === First Pride Night events === In 1994, the [San Francisco Giants](/source/San_Francisco_Giants) hosted "Until There's a Cure Day" at their stadium to raise money and awareness for the ongoing [AIDS epidemic](/source/AIDS_epidemic), which ''[Cronkite News](/source/Cronkite_News)'' stated in 2023 was "one of the first known LGBTQ-supportive nights" in North American sports.{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Taylyn |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Division surrounds Pride Night in sports among athletes, leagues, LGBTQ community |url=https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2023/07/19/divison-surrounds-pride-night-sports-lgbtq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915144224/https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2023/07/19/divison-surrounds-pride-night-sports-lgbtq/ |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=[Cronkite News](/source/Cronkite_News)}} However, the first Pride Night occurred in 2000. On August 8 of that year, a [lesbian](/source/lesbian) couple, Danielle Goldey and Meredith Kott, were removed by [security guards](/source/security_guards) from a Dodgers game at [Dodger Stadium](/source/Dodger_Stadium) for kissing.{{Cite book |last1=Dreier |first1=Peter |author-link1=Peter Dreier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ZRfEAAAQBAJ |title=Baseball Rebels: The Players, People, and Social Movements That Shook Up the Game and Changed America |last2=Elias |first2=Robert |publisher=[University of Nebraska Press](/source/University_of_Nebraska_Press) |others=Foreword by [Dave Zirin](/source/Dave_Zirin) |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-4962-3177-2 |location=Lincoln, Nebraska |pages=279–280 |oclc=1298165561}} Following their ejection, the couple reached out to a lawyer with the intent to sue the team. However, before any legal actions were taken, the Dodgers reached out to the couple and both apologized and offered to give them seats behind [home plate](/source/home_plate) for a future game. Speaking of the incident, team president [Bob Graziano](/source/Bob_Graziano) said, "I was troubled ... because of what it implied about the Dodger organization."{{Cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |author-link=Cyd Zeigler |date=July 18, 2011 |title=Moment #84: Lesbian couple ejected from Dodgers Stadium for kissing creates 'gay days' |url=https://www.outsports.com/2011/7/18/4051562/moment-84-lesbian-couple-ejected-from-dodgers-stadium-for-kissing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226164125/http://www.outsports.com/2011/7/18/4051562/moment-84-lesbian-couple-ejected-from-dodgers-stadium-for-kissing |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |access-date=March 24, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}} Additionally, the team gave away 5,000 tickets to gay rights groups. The following month, on September 6, [GLAAD](/source/GLAAD) and the [Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center](/source/Los_Angeles_Gay_and_Lesbian_Center) hosted a "Gay and Lesbian Night at Dodger Stadium." According to [sports commentator](/source/sports_commentator) [Cyd Zeigler](/source/Cyd_Zeigler), the event is widely considered the first Pride Night at a [professional](/source/Professional_sports) baseball game. However, this event was a one-off occurrence, and at the time, there were no future LGBTQ events planned at Dodger Stadium.{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=A. J. |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Beyond The Rainbow: The Evolution of Pride Games |url=https://frontofficesports.com/beyond-the-rainbow-the-evolution-of-pride-games/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126125853/https://frontofficesports.com/beyond-the-rainbow-the-evolution-of-pride-games/ |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |access-date=March 24, 2025 |website=Front Office Sports}} During the [2001 season](/source/2001_Major_League_Baseball_season), the [Chicago Cubs](/source/Chicago_Cubs) sponsored "Gay Days" at [Wrigley Field](/source/Wrigley_Field). The event, later renamed "Out at Wrigley," was started by Bill Gubrud, a [gay man](/source/gay_man) from [Chicago](/source/Chicago), and has been an annual occurrence ever since.{{Cite web |last=Buzinski |first=Jim |date=October 25, 2016 |title=Cubs have had most MLB gay days, the Indians have had one |url=https://www.outsports.com/2016/10/25/13401334/world-series-chicago-cubs-cleveland-indians-gay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725123542/https://www.outsports.com/2016/10/25/13401334/world-series-chicago-cubs-cleveland-indians-gay/ |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports) |publisher=[Vox Media](/source/Vox_Media)}} === Later developments === {{Multiple image | image1 = Orioles LGBTQ+ Pride Night (53821308881).jpg | image2 = Orioles LGBTQ+ Pride Night (53821750140).jpg | footer = [Oriole Park at Camden Yards](/source/Oriole_Park_at_Camden_Yards) during the [Baltimore Orioles](/source/Baltimore_Orioles)' Pride Night game against the [Texas Rangers](/source/Texas_Rangers_(baseball)), June 27, 2024 | image3 = Orioles LGBTQ+ Pride Night (53821556943).jpg | direction = horizontal | total_width = 600 }} In 2013, the Dodgers hosted their second [Pride](/source/Pride_(LGBTQ_culture)) event. Over the mid-2010s, the league as a whole attempted to foster a better relationship with the LGBTQ community. In 2014, the league hired [Billy Bean](/source/Billy_Bean), a former baseball player and gay activist, to educate current players and team officials on matters related to LGBTQ issues, such as defamatory language. That same year, MLB issued a letter opposing [Arizona SB 1062](/source/Arizona_SB_1062), arguing that it went against the league's "zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on [sexual orientation](/source/sexual_orientation)." That same year, the [Cleveland Indians](/source/Cleveland_Indians) hosted a Pride Night to coincide with the [2014 Gay Games](/source/2014_Gay_Games) that were being hosted in the city. In 2016, the league partnered with the [National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce](/source/National_Gay_and_Lesbian_Chamber_of_Commerce) in an effort to help [LGBTQ-owned businesses](/source/LGBTQ-owned_business) seek out MLB contracts. That same year, the Tampa Bay Rays used their Pride Night to raise roughly $300,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=US|value=300,000|start_year=2016|r=-3|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US}}) for a fund to help victims of the [Pulse nightclub shooting](/source/Pulse_nightclub_shooting), which had occurred shortly before the event.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |author-link=Tyler Kepner |date=June 6, 2022 |title=An Attempt at Inclusion Proves There Is More Work to Do |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/06/sports/baseball/rays-pride-night.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312023906/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/06/sports/baseball/rays-pride-night.html |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} In 2019, the [New York Yankees](/source/New_York_Yankees) honored the fiftieth anniversary of the [Stonewall riots](/source/Stonewall_riots) by unveiling a plaque at [Yankee Stadium](/source/Yankee_Stadium). In 2021, the [Oakland Athletics](/source/Oakland_Athletics) renamed their annual Pride Night event in honor of former baseball player and gay activist [Glenn Burke](/source/Glenn_Burke), who was honored the following year at the Dodgers' Pride Night.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=June 3, 2022 |orig-date=June 2, 2022 |title=The Dodgers Embrace the Family of a Player They Once Shunned |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/sports/baseball/glenn-burke-dodgers-pride.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207021809/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/sports/baseball/glenn-burke-dodgers-pride.html |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} In 2023, former [Speaker of the House of Representatives](/source/Speaker_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives) [Nancy Pelosi](/source/Nancy_Pelosi) threw out the [ceremonial first pitch](/source/ceremonial_first_pitch) during the [Washington Nationals](/source/Washington_Nationals)' Pride Night, which they call "Night Out."{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Patrick |date=June 6, 2023 |title=Former Speaker Pelosi throws out first pitch at Nationals' Pride night |url=https://apnews.com/article/nationals-pelosi-2c2f7cde6037b78a1a6650eb9f97e882 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715205800/https://apnews.com/article/nationals-pelosi-2c2f7cde6037b78a1a6650eb9f97e882 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} That same year, the [Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press) called MLB "a leader among the [four major pro U.S. sports](/source/Major_professional_sports_leagues_in_the_United_States_and_Canada) in hosting Pride Nights, in part because its regular season overlaps with Pride Month in June." === Controversies === ==== 2022 Tampa Bay Rays rainbow logo patch ==== During Pride Night events in 2022, three teams—the Dodgers, the Giants, and the Rays—incorporated rainbow-colored logo patches into their uniform. However, multiple players for the Rays stated that they would not be wearing the patch, with [relief pitcher](/source/relief_pitcher) [Jason Adam](/source/Jason_Adam) calling it a "faith-based decision" on his part.{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Cash: Rays players not wearing LGBTQ logos won't divide team |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-jason-adam-tampa-bay-rays-baseball-447d8bbd61a029dcab90478f26ef54bb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114155159/https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-jason-adam-tampa-bay-rays-baseball-447d8bbd61a029dcab90478f26ef54bb |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} Writing about the decision, sports journalist [Tyler Kepner](/source/Tyler_Kepner) stated that "by allowing the players to opt out of the promotion — and to use the platform to endorse an opposite viewpoint — the Rays undercut the message of inclusion they were trying to send." In June 2023, Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred announced that MLB had advised teams against adding rainbow motifs to their logo patches so as not to put players "in a position of doing something that may make them uncomfortable because of their personal views."{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Jay |date=June 15, 2023 |title=MLB teams welcome LGBTQ+ fans with Pride Nights but not one has seen an active player come out |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-lgbtq-pride-dodgers-de4b290bec6aa651e8a3c5fca23b19d7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625031041/https://apnews.com/article/mlb-lgbtq-pride-dodgers-de4b290bec6aa651e8a3c5fca23b19d7 |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} ==== 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence collaboration ==== In 2023, the Dodgers announced plans to honor the [Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence](/source/Sisters_of_Perpetual_Indulgence) with a Community Hero Award at their Pride Night, to be held on June 16.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=May 18, 2023 |title=Dodgers Face Backlash After Rescinding Pride Night Invitation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/sports/baseball/dodgers-pride-night.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214093622/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/18/sports/baseball/dodgers-pride-night.html |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} The Sisters are a San Francisco-based charity and protest group that employ religious symbolism and humor to call attention to intolerance towards LGBTQ people. However, in mid-May, the Dodgers announced that they would not be honoring the group at their Pride Night, effectively disinviting the group.{{Cite news |date=June 20, 2023 |orig-date=June 2, 2023 |title=How did Dodgers Pride Night become national news? A timeline of events |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4573684/2023/06/02/dodgers-pride-night-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320192314/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4573684/2023/06/02/dodgers-pride-night-timeline/ |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} The decision came after the team received significant backlash from several Catholic groups, including the [Catholic League](/source/Catholic_League_(U.S.)), and a letter from Senator [Marco Rubio](/source/Marco_Rubio) of Florida, who asked if the Sisters would be "inclusive and welcoming to Christians."{{Cite news |date=June 20, 2023 |orig-date=May 19, 2023 |title=Dodgers rescind Pride Night invite from San Francisco performance group due to 'controversy' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4534626/2023/05/19/la-dodgers-pride-event-controversy-sf-drag/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320194054/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4534626/2023/05/19/la-dodgers-pride-event-controversy-sf-drag/ |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} Following this, several LGBTQ advocacy groups expressed disappointment with the team's disinvitation, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Los Angeles Pride both stating that they would not be participating in the Dodgers' Pride Night, in solidarity with the Sisters. Additionally, the Los Angeles LGBT Center issued a statement saying, "Buckling to pressure from out-of-state, right-wing fundamentalists, the Dodgers caved to a religious minority that is perpetuating a false narrative about L.G.B.T.Q.+ people. They have been fed lies about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and have therefore contributed to [the ongoing, anti-L.G.B.T.Q. smear campaign happening in this country](/source/2020s_anti-LGBTQ_movement_in_the_United_States)." In a show of support for the Sisters, Mayor [Ashleigh Aitken](/source/Ashleigh_Aitken) of [Anaheim](/source/Anaheim%2C_California) extended an invitation for them to attend the Pride Night hosted by the Anaheim-based [Los Angeles Angels](/source/Los_Angeles_Angels).{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Los Angeles Dodgers reinstate gay 'nun' group for Pride Night award |url=https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-dodgers-pride-night-lgbt-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-67ac5dd13bc8b929f57c0185b0713e0f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211210829/https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-dodgers-pride-night-lgbt-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-67ac5dd13bc8b929f57c0185b0713e0f |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} Following the backlash, on May 22, the Dodgers reversed their decision and reinvited the Sisters to attend their Pride Night and receive the Community Hero Award.{{Cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Groups Return to Pride Night After Dodgers Reverse Course |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/sports/baseball/dodgers-pride-night.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216083210/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/sports/baseball/dodgers-pride-night.html |archive-date=February 16, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} The team stated that their decision came after "much thoughtful feedback" and pledged to continue to work with "LGBTQ+ partners to better educate ourselves, find ways to strengthen the ties that bind and use our platform to support all of our fans who make up the diversity of the Dodgers family." Dodgers player [Clayton Kershaw](/source/Clayton_Kershaw) criticized the re-invitation, stating that, while he was not opposed to the LGBTQ community, he viewed the Sisters' satirical take on religion as offensive to Christians.{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Kershaw disagrees with Dodgers' decision to reinstate gay 'nun' group for Pride Night award |url=https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-kershaw-pride-night-lgbtq-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-e6570a325936718b23396eb38b2a2da8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309091108/https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-kershaw-pride-night-lgbtq-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-e6570a325936718b23396eb38b2a2da8 |archive-date=March 9, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}}{{Cite news |date=June 20, 2023 |orig-date=May 30, 2023 |title=Kershaw says disagreement over 'Sisters' inclusion in Pride night fueled Faith night announcement |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4564738/2023/05/30/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-pride-night/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320193848/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4564738/2023/05/30/dodgers-clayton-kershaw-pride-night/ |archive-date=March 20, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}{{Cite news |last1=Ardaya |first1=Fabian |last2=Baggarly |first2=Andrew |author-link2=Andrew Baggarly |date=June 20, 2023 |orig-date=June 16, 2023 |title=Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expresses support for team Pride Night: 'I love everyone' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4618062/2023/06/16/dodgers-manager-dave-roberts-pride-night/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211182213/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4618062/2023/06/16/dodgers-manager-dave-roberts-pride-night/ |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} Additionally, three American Catholic bishops—[Timothy Broglio](/source/Timothy_Broglio), [Timothy M. Dolan](/source/Timothy_M._Dolan), and [José Horacio Gómez](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Horacio_G%C3%B3mez)—criticized the Dodgers' decision as [blasphemous](/source/Blasphemy).{{Cite web |last=Crary |first=David |date=June 15, 2023 |title=A nun commends Dodgers' handling of Pride Night controversy. Some archbishops call it blasphemy |url=https://apnews.com/article/baseball-religion-pride-night-catholic-nuns-lgbtq-a567e20bb5dc7efe3bd19af412740839 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124075856/https://apnews.com/article/baseball-religion-pride-night-catholic-nuns-lgbtq-a567e20bb5dc7efe3bd19af412740839 |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} ==== Texas Rangers' lack of Pride Game ==== By 2022, every team in MLB had conducted at least one Pride Game, with the exception of the [Texas Rangers](/source/Texas_Rangers_(baseball)). As of the 2026 season, they remain the lone team out of the 30 MLB franchises to not hold a Pride Game. The closest that the team has come to hosting a Pride Game, according to the Associated Press, was in September 2003, when the team invited several local LGBTQ groups to their venue for a fundraising event prior to a game.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Why are the Texas Rangers the only MLB team without a Pride Night? |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-e3caa6ad3011bfae841b4fe9b4ce6c30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112015656/https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-e3caa6ad3011bfae841b4fe9b4ce6c30 |archive-date=January 12, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} According to the Associated Press, one reason for this could be the conservative political climate within the state of Texas, which in 2023 enacted a series of legislation targeting the LGBTQ community.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Why are the Texas Rangers the only MLB team without a Pride Night? |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-56ce863b94a0d3fde951f9dec14b84b4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720232138/https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-56ce863b94a0d3fde951f9dec14b84b4 |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} However this is often disputed as the 3 other major sports teams in Dallas-Fort Worth [Dallas Mavericks](/source/Dallas_Mavericks), [Dallas Stars](/source/Dallas_Stars), and [FC Dallas](/source/FC_Dallas) regularly hold pride games. {{Cite web |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Why are the Texas Rangers the only MLB team without a Pride Night? |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-56ce863b94a0d3fde951f9dec14b84b4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720232138/https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-56ce863b94a0d3fde951f9dec14b84b4 |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} The news agency also pointed out that [Ray Davis](/source/Ray_Davis_(businessman)), the team's owner, has previously donated large sums of money in support of [Greg Abbott](/source/Greg_Abbott), the state's conservative governor. Additionally, the Associated Press noted that the location of the Rangers' stadium may play a role in their decision to not host a Pride Game. While the [Houston Astros](/source/Houston_Astros), the state's only other MLB team, does host Pride Games, their stadium is located in [Houston](/source/Houston), a populous city that largely votes for [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) elected officials. By comparison, the Rangers play in [Arlington](/source/Arlington%2C_Texas), outside of the city limits of [Dallas](/source/Dallas), in an area of the state that is generally more conservative than Dallas.{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Schuyler |date=June 24, 2024 |title=The Texas Rangers are frustrating LGBTQ+ advocates as the only MLB team without a Pride Night |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-4671a9124b12cf2b67f1bfbf405af99b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628173900/https://apnews.com/article/rangers-pride-mlb-lgbtq-4671a9124b12cf2b67f1bfbf405af99b |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |website=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}} In a 2023 article in ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'', it was reported that the Resource Center, a local LGBTQ group, had been trying for five years at that point to host a Pride Game at the Rangers' stadium.{{Cite news |last=Ghiroli |first=Brittany |date=June 19, 2023 |title=The Texas Rangers are MLB's only team without a Pride Night. That's unlikely to change |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4621032/2023/06/19/texas-rangers-pride-night/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116152615/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4621032/2023/06/19/texas-rangers-pride-night/ |archive-date=January 16, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} == National Basketball Association == In February 2007, the [Toronto Raptors](/source/Toronto_Raptors) of the [National Basketball Association](/source/National_Basketball_Association) (NBA) hosted a benefit game for Rainbow Hoops, a lesbian basketball league.{{Cite book |last1=Auger |first1=Jeanette A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2wF0EAAAQBAJ |title=Under the Rainbow: A Primer on Queer Issues in Canada |last2=Krug |first2=Kate |publisher=[Fernwood Publishing](/source/Fernwood_Publishing) |others=Contributions from Dayna B. Daniels, Judy Davidson, Valda Leighteizer, and Ross Higgins |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-55266-585-5 |location=Black Point, Halifax |page=179 |oclc=848150140}} However, the league's first Pride Nights occurred in 2016, with the [Milwaukee Bucks](/source/Milwaukee_Bucks) and the [Portland Trail Blazers](/source/Portland_Trail_Blazers) hosting events during the [2016–17 season](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_NBA_season). That same year, the NBA participated for the first time in the NYC Pride March. Starting in 2017, the league began to sell t-shirts with rainbow-colored versions of their team's logos.{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Alex |date=June 7, 2021 |title=Here is how every sports league is celebrating Pride |url=https://www.outsports.com/2021/6/7/22521330/pride-month-gay-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-wnba-mls-nwsl-nwhl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714205727/https://www.outsports.com/2021/6/7/22521330/pride-month-gay-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-wnba-mls-nwsl-nwhl/ |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}} In April 2021, the [Phoenix Suns](/source/Phoenix_Suns) hosted a Pride Night that was the first in-person Pride Night to be held by any sports team following the declaration of the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic). In a 2025 report by ''[Outsports](/source/Outsports)'', of the 30 NBA teams, 25 were definitely hosting a Pride Night, 4 were possibly hosting a Pride Night, and only one—the [Oklahoma City Thunder](/source/Oklahoma_City_Thunder)—had expressly stated that they would not hold such an event.{{Cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |author-link=Cyd Zeigler |date=January 16, 2025 |title=83% of NBA teams are hosting a Pride Night, despite 'woke' attacks. 1 NBA team is not. The other 4? Hmmm… |url=https://www.outsports.com/2025/1/16/24105350/nba-pride-night-lgbtq-gay-fans-woke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122045101/https://www.outsports.com/2025/1/16/24105350/nba-pride-night-lgbtq-gay-fans-woke/ |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}} == National Football League == Pride Nights among [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League) (NFL) teams are rare, primarily due to the fact that the NFL season does not coincide with Pride Month as well as the low amount of home games{{Cite web |last=du Plessis |first=Lindsay |date=June 3, 2022 |title=ESPN's guide to Pride Nights in the major pro sports leagues |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34030356/espn-guide-pride-nights-major-professional-sports-leagues |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311095713/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34030356/espn-guide-pride-nights-major-professional-sports-leagues |archive-date=March 11, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[ESPN.com](/source/ESPN.com)}} On September 16, 2021, during a ''[Thursday Night Football](/source/Thursday_Night_Football)'' game, the [Washington Football Team](/source/Washington_Football_Team) became the first NFL team to host a Pride Night event when they hosted the [New York Giants](/source/New_York_Giants).{{Cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |author-link=Cyd Zeigler |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Washington Football will be 1st NFL team to host official Pride Night at a game, this Thursday |url=https://www.outsports.com/2021/9/14/22669464/washington-football-team-tnf-nfl-gay-lgbtq-pride-night-team-dc-thursday-night/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224055721/https://www.outsports.com/2021/9/14/22669464/washington-football-team-tnf-nfl-gay-lgbtq-pride-night-team-dc-thursday-night/ |archive-date=February 24, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}} Since 2021, the NFL has collaborated with GLAAD to host a "Night of Pride" celebration during the week of the Super Bowl as part of an outreach program aimed at the LGBTQ community.{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Karleigh |date=February 5, 2025 |title=GLAAD, NFL 'Night of Pride' taking place at Super Bowl LIX |url=https://www.outsports.com/2025/2/5/24107056/nfl-super-bowl-lix-glaad-pride-inclusion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214060844/https://www.outsports.com/2025/2/5/24107056/nfl-super-bowl-lix-glaad-pride-inclusion/ |archive-date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[Outsports](/source/Outsports)}}{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Sophie |date=January 25, 2024 |title=NFL to host Pride night during Super Bowl week - and bigots are raging |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/nfl-pride-super-bowl-lgbtq-reaction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213171040/https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/01/25/nfl-pride-super-bowl-lgbtq-reaction/ |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[PinkNews](/source/PinkNews)}}{{Cite web |last=Condon |first=Ali |date=February 10, 2024 |title=NFL team up with GLAAD for 'A Night of Pride' celebration |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/10/nfl-glaad-night-of-pride/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211143051/https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/02/10/nfl-glaad-night-of-pride/ |archive-date=December 11, 2024 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[PinkNews](/source/PinkNews)}} Night of Pride events have been ongoing through 2025. == National Hockey League == [[File:Jordan Spence 2.jpg|thumb|280x280px|[Jordan Spence](/source/Jordan_Spence_(ice_hockey)) of the [Los Angeles Kings](/source/Los_Angeles_Kings) wearing a rainbow-themed jersey during a Pride Night game on March 22, 2022]] The first Pride Night in the [National Hockey League](/source/National_Hockey_League) (NHL) was held on March 30, 2011, when the [San Jose Sharks](/source/San_Jose_Sharks) hosted the [Dallas Stars](/source/Dallas_Stars).{{Cite news |last=Mendes |first=Ian |author-link=Ian Mendes |date=November 17, 2023 |orig-date=October 30, 2023 |title=After a tumultuous year, behind the scenes of the NHL's first Pride night of the season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5006275/2023/10/30/nhl-pride-night-arizona-coyotes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307203707/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5006275/2023/10/30/nhl-pride-night-arizona-coyotes/ |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |department=[The Athletic](/source/The_Athletic) |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} In 2013, the NHL partnered with [You Can Play](/source/You_Can_Play) to address the issue of homophobia in ice hockey. In February 2017, the Sharks used rainbow tape for their [ice hockey sticks](/source/ice_hockey_sticks) during a game against the [Buffalo Sabres](/source/Buffalo_Sabres). By the [2017–18 season](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_NHL_season), all 31 NHL teams were hosting a Pride Night, with players often using rainbow-colored tape on their [ice hockey sticks](/source/ice_hockey_sticks).{{Cite book |last1=McKenzie |first1=Bob |author-link1=Bob McKenzie (broadcaster) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WlRFEAAAQBAJ |title=Everyday Hockey Heroes |last2=Lang |first2=Jim |author-link2=Jim Lang (broadcaster) |publisher=[Simon & Schuster Canada](/source/Simon_%26_Schuster_Canada) |year=2020 |isbn=978-1-9821-3272-9 |volume=II: More Inspiring Stories About Our Great Game |location=Toronto |page=285 |oclc=1236259430}} The next season, several players on the Vancouver Canucks wore rainbow-themed jerseys during their Pride Night game on March 13, 2019. By the [2022–23 season](/source/2022%E2%80%9323_NHL_season), roughly half of all NHL teams had players wear rainbow-themed jerseys during warmups on Pride Nights. However, players on several teams expressed opposition to the jerseys, often on religious grounds or, in the case of Russian players, safety concerns stemming from anti-LGBTQ laws in Russia.{{Cite web |last=Bengel |first=Chris |date=March 27, 2023 |title=NHL's Pride Night problems: A timeline of why some teams, players have scrapped plans to wear Pride jerseys |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/nhls-pride-night-problems-a-timeline-of-why-some-teams-players-have-scrapped-plans-to-wear-pride-jerseys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227042804/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/nhls-pride-night-problems-a-timeline-of-why-some-teams-players-have-scrapped-plans-to-wear-pride-jerseys/ |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |access-date=March 26, 2025 |website=[CBSSports.com](/source/CBSSports.com)}} As a result, in mid-2023, the NHL promulgated rules barring teams from donning rainbow-themed jerseys or using rainbow-colored tape. On December 10, 2025, the trailer for the series ''[Heated Rivalry](/source/Heated_Rivalry)'' was aired at the Pride Night game between the [Montreal Canadiens](/source/Montreal_Canadiens) and the [Tampa Bay Lightning](/source/Tampa_Bay_Lightning).{{cite web |last=Knapp |first=JD |date=December 11, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry Stars Tease What to Expect From Final 2 Episodes |url=https://www.thewrap.com/heated-rivalry-episode-4-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212141749/https://www.thewrap.com/heated-rivalry-episode-4-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview/ |archive-date=December 12, 2025 |access-date=December 14, 2025 |website=[TheWrap](/source/TheWrap)}} ==Women's National Basketball Association== The [Women's National Basketball Association](/source/Women's_National_Basketball_Association) (WNBA) was the first professional sports league to establish a formal Pride campaign, doing so in 2014.{{cite news |last1=Ariail |first1=Cat |title=Brittney Griner, Layshia Clarendon model the powerful Pride of WNBA players |url=https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2020/6/21/21293983/wnba-pride-lgbtq-gender-sexuality-race-black-lives-matter-activism-brittney-griner-layshia-clarendon |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=Swish Appeal |date=21 June 2020}} Although the WNBA quickly developed a large lesbian fan following after its debut in 1997, the league largely avoided broad association with the LGBTQ community during its early years. The league shifted its approach in 2014, saying that it was the first sports league to appeal specifically to gay men and lesbians, with special T-shirts and a Pride Day game on national television.{{cite news |last1=Macur |first1=Juliet |title=Coast Cleared by Others, W.N.B.A. Finally Finds Its Gay Pride |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/sports/wnba-finally-advertises-its-gay-pride.html |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=The New York Times |date=11 June 2014}} League president [Laurel Richie](/source/Laurel_Richie) told ESPN that its Pride shirts were the best-selling item on the league's webstore and in its retail store in New York City.{{cite news |last1=Voepel |first1=Mechelle |title='We're very proud of WNBA Pride' |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/11107161/wnba-qa-wnba-president-laurel-richie-league-pride-campaign |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=ESPN.com |date=20 June 2014 |language=en}} Individual WNBA teams have attracted positive attention for their Pride Night or Pride Day events, with the notable exception of the [San Antonio Stars](/source/San_Antonio_Stars), which did not acknowledge Pride during their designated game, and whose player [Sophia Young](/source/Sophia_Young) had posted on her [Twitter](/source/Twitter) account in opposition to same-sex marriage in San Antonio.{{cite news |last1=Voepel |first1=Mechelle |title=The WNBA's Pride predicament |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/11111165/wnba-wnba-pride-predicament |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=ESPN.com |date=20 June 2014 |language=en}} ==Premier League== The [Premier League](/source/Premier_League), the top division of [association football](/source/association_football) in the [English football league system](/source/English_football_league_system), participated in [Stonewall](/source/Stonewall_(charity))'s [Rainbow Laces](/source/Rainbow_Laces) campaign between 2013 and 2025. In 2025, [Ipswich Town](/source/Ipswich_Town)'s captain [Sam Morsy](/source/Sam_Morsy) did not wear a special rainbow armband, while [Crystal Palace F.C.](/source/Crystal_Palace_F.C.) captain [Marc Guehi](/source/Marc_Guehi) wrote "I love Jesus" on his.{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jonty |title=Premier League launches new LGBTQ+ campaign after ending Stonewall partnership |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cly1mnp21ezo |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 February 2026}} Hours before a match, [Manchester United](/source/Manchester_United) abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ campaign after [Noussair Mazraoui](/source/Noussair_Mazraoui) refused to wear it.{{cite news |last1=Crafton |first1=Adam |title=Rainbow Laces out, pride-themed footballs in? Premier League to launch new LGBTQ+ campaign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6989391/2026/01/22/premier-league-new-lgbtq-campaign/ |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The New York Times |date=22 January 2026}} As a result, the Premier League started a new campaign called "With Pride" between February 6 and February 13, 2026, during which each team had one match at home. Team captains were no longer asked to wear special armbands or jackets, and teams were encouraged to use in-stadium features, such as ball plinths and video screens, to display Pride-themed messaging. ==FIFA World Cup== At the [2026 FIFA World Cup](/source/2026_FIFA_World_Cup), [Egypt](/source/Egypt_national_football_team) and [Iran](/source/Iran_national_football_team) were scheduled to play a [Group G](/source/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_G) match on June 26, 2026, at [Seattle Stadium](/source/Lumen_Field). Because [Seattle Pride](/source/Seattle_Pride) takes place the same weekend, the local organizing committee had designated the June 26 match as a "Pride Match", before the teams were known.{{cite news |last1=Schultz |first1=Ken |title=Seattle plans to host Pride Match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.outsports.com/2025/9/26/24119403/world-cup-2026-seattle-fifa-soccer-pride-match-lgbtq-gay-rainbow-flag/ |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=OutSports |date=26 September 2025 |language=en}} The plan drew interest once the teams were announced, because homosexuality is [punishable by law](/source/LGBTQ_rights_by_country_or_territory) in both Egypt and Iran.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Emma |date=December 8, 2025 |title=2026 World Cup 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ce8q01d56v7o |access-date=December 9, 2025 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Both countries objected to the designation for their World Cup match. [Seattle](/source/Seattle)'s Pride Match Advisory Committee spokesperson said, "The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country and it was planned well in advance."{{Cite web |last=James |first=Alastair |date=December 9, 2025 |title=Iran and Egypt object to playing World Cup 'Pride Match' |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/12/09/iran-and-egypt-object-to-playing-world-cup-pride-match/ |access-date=December 9, 2025 |website=PinkNews |language=en-US}} [Iranian Football Federation](/source/Football_Federation_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran) President [Mehdi Taj](/source/Mehdi_Taj) said both countries had "objections" and that the branding was an "irrational move that supports a certain group." Iran was planning to appeal the decision.{{Cite news |date=December 9, 2025 |title=Iran objects to 'Pride Match' branding of World Cup game against Egypt |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/iran-objects-to-pride-match-branding-of-world-cup-game-against-egypt |access-date=December 9, 2025 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} The [Egyptian Football Association](/source/Egyptian_Football_Association) sent a formal letter to FIFA Secretary General [Mattias Grafström](/source/Mattias_Grafstr%C3%B6m) rejecting "in absolute terms" LGBTQ connections to the game.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Emma |date=December 9, 2025 |title=2026 World Cup: Seattle 'Pride Match' set to happen despite Egypt objections |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c208392884jo |access-date=December 10, 2025 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On March 31, 2026, despite the teams' objections to the Pride Match designation, and despite concerns about Iran playing in the U.S. during the [ongoing war](/source/2026_Iran_war) involving the two countries, [FIFA](/source/FIFA) president [Gianni Infantino](/source/Gianni_Infantino) said that the Egypt–Iran match was still planned to go ahead, without a change of venue or designation.{{cite news |last1=Booth |first1=Tim |title=FIFA president gives update on Iran’s men’s World Cup match in Seattle |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/world-cup/fifa-president-says-iran-will-play-in-mens-world-cup-and-in-seattle/ |access-date=10 April 2026 |work=The Seattle Times |date=31 March 2026}} == See also == * [Athlete activism in the United States](/source/Athlete_activism_in_the_United_States) * [Homosexuality in modern sports](/source/Homosexuality_in_modern_sports) * [Pride (LGBTQ culture)](/source/Pride_(LGBTQ_culture)) == References == {{Reflist}} {{LGBTQ}} {{Major League Baseball}} {{National Basketball Association}} {{National Hockey League}} Category:21st century in American sports Category:Athlete activism in the United States Category:Civil rights in the United States Category:Identity politics Category:LGBTQ history in the United States Category:Pride (LGBTQ culture) Category:Sports culture in the United States --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pride Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Night) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Night?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.