NBPA Activates Its Members and the Basketball Community to Get Out and Vote Ahead of Election Day

Washington, DC: With Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 5 – rapidly approaching, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has partnered with its members, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a number of civic engagement organizations to ensure eligible players have every opportunity to register to vote and create a voting plan; enabling players to use their vote and their platforms to inspire change and make their voices heard.

Through joint programming, like the annual Rookie Transition Program, the NBPA and the NBA have activated Voter Registration with players focusing on civic engagement and the collective duty of shaping the future of communities NBPA members live and play in.

“Voting rights haven’t always been a privilege in this country,” said C.J. McCollum, President of the NBPA. “It is critical that we never forget that and use the power of our collective platforms to influence the change we hope to see in our country. Regardless of political affiliation or stance on key issues, it’s our goal to encourage not only NBA players, but all eligible voters to turn out to the polls this November and make their voices heard.”

To celebrate members who are fully engaged in their civic duties, the NBPA joined forces with TUNL, a new interdisciplinary platform merging sports, fashion and culture. Together, they teamed up with creative director and fashion designer Desyree Nicole, to bring the “But Did You Vote?” capsule collection to life. Desyree Nicole, also a member of TUNL’s founding team, gleaned inspiration and feedback from NBPA members including Keita Bates-Diop, Kevon Looney, Jarred Vanderbilt and Peyton Watson throughout the design process.

Designed to inspire action and spark conversations around voter registration and participation, the collection is rooted in the belief that real change starts with each of us. This initiative reminds us that it’s not enough to simply talk about the issues – we must also be part of the solution. Inclusive of tees and hoodies (SRP ranging from $35-$85), the “But Did You Vote?” capsule collection is now available for purchase at www.theTUNL.com.

“All industries, including sports and fashion, have a role to play in our democracy. It’s time to ask our teammates, ‘But Did You Vote?’ and to get in the game right now. This capsule collection is the perfect example of When We All Vote’s work bringing voting to the culture. We’re proud to partner with TUNL, the Social Change Fund and the NBPA, including on this collection with Desyree Nicole, to make sure every eligible player and fan makes their voices heard and looks good at the ballot box,” said Beth Lynk, Executive Director of When We All Vote.

In addition to encouraging NBPA members to make their voices heard, the NBPA Foundation, Social Change Fund and TUNL will collectively donate $60,000 to When We All Vote to host four “Party at the Polls” events in Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

To register to vote, check voter registration status or make a voting plan, visit https://whenweallvote.org/.

###

ABOUT NBPA:

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect, support and empower players, scale the value of their collective will and amplify their voices as leaders transcending sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the group licensing and partnership engine of the NBPA. With more than 80 active partnerships, THINK450 is dedicated to uncovering shared interests between players and leading brands to build more engaging collaborations.

The NBPA Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.

ABOUT When We All Vote:

When We All Vote is a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap. Created by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate for today and generations to come. We empower our supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable.

In 2020, When We All Vote ran a robust, multifaceted campaign and reached more than 100 million people to educate them about the voting process and get them registered and ready to vote. The initiative also led in voter education, registration, and volunteer engagement and as a result, 512,000 people started or completed the voter registration process, and nearly 500 media, corporate, and nonprofit partners joined its efforts.

Michelle Obama launched When We All Vote in 2018 and is joined by fellow Co-Chairs Stephen Curry, Becky G, Selena Gomez, Tom Hanks, H.E.R., Liza Koshy, Jennifer Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Megan Rapinoe, Shonda Rhimes, Bretman Rock, Kerry Washington, and Rita Wilson. When We All Vote is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and works with Civic Nation Action, a 501(c)(4). Learn more here.

ABOUT TUNL:   

TUNL Entertainment is an interdisciplinary media and e-commerce company dedicated to amplifying athletes and exploring the creative intersection of sports, fashion, and culture. We bridge the gap between high fashion and streetwear designers globally, making exclusive fashion accessible to the everyday consumer. Our flagship event, the Annual TUNL Gala, held during New York Fashion Week, celebrates athletes’ contributions to fashion and culture, driving sales through custom capsules and e-commerce integration. Learn more here.