Recently, Outsports embarked on a mission to address crucial LGBTQ+ inclusion issues by interviewing commissioners from the prominent men’s professional sports leagues in North America, collectively known as the Big Five: NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL.
Notably, the NHL declined to participate in discussing LGBTQ+ inclusion with Outsports. However, commissioners from the other four major leagues enthusiastically shared their perspectives.
Curious about what the commissioners had to say? Read on as we highlight their insights and responses exclusively on Outsports.
Roger Goddell, NFL Commissioner
“One of the most important jobs I have as commissioner is to listen,” Goodell told Outsports in an exclusive interview for Pride Month. “That day, we were forming our Pride employee resource group, so I wanted to show my support for our staff and engage with panelists like NFL Legend Ryan O’Callaghan.”
Listening is leadership.
While Goodell and the NFL face questioning from seemingly every angle — that’s what happens when you’re on top — one area you won’t find much criticism (other than from homophobes) is regarding the league’s LGBTQ inclusion efforts.
Since Adam Silver was named commissioner of the NBA in 2014, the league has implemented various LGBTQ-inclusion policies and efforts. That has continued a legacy of inclusion for both the NBA and its sister league, the WNBA.
“I’m proud that the NBA and WNBA are institutions that bring people and communities together,” Silver told Outsports. “The values of equality, respect and inclusion are paramount to our leagues and how we operate as a business.”
There is only one major men’s pro sports league in North America — or quite possibly the world — that has had more than one active gay athlete come out publicly. That’s Major League Soccer. Robbie Rogers, and then Collin Martin, have been out as gay men while playing in the league.
MLS commissioner Don Garber — who has run the league since 1999 — told Outsports in an exclusive Pride Month interview that he “absolutely” believes the league will embrace any gay and bi athletes who choose to come out in the future.
“We saw the positive response from our fans with Robbie Rogers and Collin Martin,” Garber told Outsports, “and we are committed to ensuring that any gay players feel welcomed and supported in MLS.”
Up Next for Outsports: The Summer Games
We’ve got the electrifying Summer Games just around the corner, which we’ll be covering extensively on Outsports.
So, whether you’re cheering on your favorite LGBTQ+ athletes or celebrating love and diversity, there’s lots to look forward to and plenty of chances to align your brand with a diverse and engaged audience on Comscore’s #1 Ranked LGBTQ+ Digital Network.