For LeBron James, it has always been about using his global brand and platform for a purpose greater than sports. In 2020, he started More Than A Vote, alongside several notable Black celebrities and athletes. The objective then was to protect Black voters and gather poll workers to work in such districts during the elections. Now, four years late, having covered ample ground, it’s time to pass the torch and fight for a new objective.

As per the New York Times, More Than A Vote organization will be revamping itself with a focus on women’s issues and reproductive rights. LeBron James will pass the leadership baton to the WNBA’s Nneka Ogwumike. The nine-time WNBA All-Star had previously volunteered to be a poll worker during the 2020 phase of the initiative. Now, she is determined to lead the fight for women’s rights and bring out a transformational revolution.

“It’s more than just abortion. It’s all about educating people about all the different roles that exist in society that support and protect the freedoms of women when it comes to family planning, I.V.F., birth control, everything. There’s just a lot that’s at stake,” she told the New York Times.

After volunteering as a poll worker, Ogwumike began talks with LeBron James about raising awareness about various societal issues pertaining to women. With women’s sport on a historic rise and the gravity of the issues concerned, James and the leadership decided to hand over the organization to the WNBA star.

“It’s only right that this election be about women athletes. We’re all following their lead right now and Nneka is the perfect person for this election. I’m excited to support her vision” James said.

LeBron James urges people to join the fight

Nneka Ogwumike won’t be the only woman from the WNBA spearheading the campaign. The league’s poster star A’ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, Cameron Brink, and many others are on the team willing to fight. Apart from the popular athletes, More Than A Vote has also secured Stephanie Schriock as their senior campaign adviser.

Schriock is a prominent figure in advocating for reproductive rights and bringing light to women’s issues. She previously worked as the president of Emily’s List, an organization that elects female Democrats who support abortion rights from 2010 to 2021. With such a compelling group put together, the first vote of confidence came from LeBron James.

Taking to X, the King shared a few positive words for Ogwumike and led the plea for people to join the fight.

“So proud to pass the torch to @nnekaogwumike and an incredible team of women for this next round. Their voice is the most powerful right now and we need to get behind them. I encourage y’all to join the fight with us, led by these great ladies and @morethanavote!,” James wrote in his tweet. 

A revolution is on the horizon, and women’s athletes are devoted to being the voices that invite positive change.