As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, so too has the dark side of that visibility; online abuse, especially directed at high-profile stars like Angel Reese. In a bold and unprecedented move, the Chicago Sky have announced a strategic partnership with Moonshot. Which is a global leader in countering online threats, to actively combat harassment and digital hate.
First in the League to Fight Back with Tech
The Chicago Sky are the first WNBA team to join forces with Moonshot, a company originally designed to protect agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from online extremism. Now, that expertise will help shield WNBA athletes from growing digital harassment.
Moonshot’s tech will allow the team to identify threatening content, assess potential risks, and take proactive steps to neutralize harm. The partnership includes a dedicated team of online security experts who will help analyze trends, interpret threats, and protect both players and coaches in real time.
Angel Reese and Women Athletes Face Disproportionate Abuse
The Sky’s co-owner and operating chairman, Nadia Rawlinson, stressed the urgency of this initiative:
“Hate and harassment have no place in sports.”
Rawlinson cited data showing that female athletes, and women of color face a disproportionate amount of digital abuse. That abuse is only increasing as women’s sports gain more mainstream attention, compounded by factors like sports betting and AI-generated content.
WNBA Goes League-Wide with “No Space for Hate”
The move aligns with the WNBA’s new league-wide initiative, “No Space for Hate,” launched by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to elevate player safety and mental well-being.
“We want our arenas, and our social platforms filled with energy and fandom, not hate and vitriol,” Engelbert said. “It’s our responsibility to protect what makes this sport so special.”
The initiative also includes expanded mental health resources and physical security upgrades across teams.
A Fan-Focused, Player-First Approach
Reese, who has become both a lightning rod and a fan favorite, will now benefit from added digital protection. Just as her star continues to rise. Fans responded enthusiastically to the Instagram announcement.
“Needed!” one fan commented.
“Thank you @ChicagoSky for supporting every player, from Angel Reese who endures a lot to our wonderful rookies.
The Chicago Sky’s partnership with Moonshot isn’t just a WNBA milestone, it could set the blueprint for all major sports leagues on how to responsibly handle player protection in the digital age.
With Angel Reese and her teammates at the forefront, the Sky are showing there’s truly no space for hate in women’s basketball.
Read More: Jason Whitlock Take on Angel Reese: ‘Toxic’ and ‘Selfish’
