Emily Brieva

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Sociology, Management (DM)

Advisor(s)

Michael Haedicke

Committee Members

Melissa Ladenheim, Sarah Walton

Graduation Year

May, 2026

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This thesis explores how leagues react to their athletes participating in activism, examining the factors and theoretical frameworks that lie in the differences between their short- and long-term responses. The study applies stakeholder theory, examines patriotism and aligning values of the fanbase, and the expectations of men’s and women’s league athletes to participate in activism. By creating a timeline of four cases, the research investigates what contributes to how an organization responds and how much the player and the fan base factor into these reactions. Findings indicate that players’ likeability is more important to league’s than talent, short-term reactions are heavily based on fan reactions, and fan values and patriotism play a role in how organizations react shedding light on organizations’ necessity to reflect on whether they are being influenced by outside factors that do not truly reflect the goals or values of the organization. The conclusion suggests that leagues should evolve with their athletes and the environment around them and emphasizes the importance of holistic support for athletes, laying the groundwork for future research in this field.

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