Breanna Stewart, a WNBA legend, recently won a championship but highlighted her most impactful contribution as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities. Her career, marked by groundbreaking efforts, began after leading the New York Liberty to their first WNBA championship in 2024. This victory solidified her legacy as a trailblazer who challenged norms in women’s basketball. In 2025, she co-founded Unrivaled, a three-on-three league that provided economic opportunities for female players without violating WNBA rules. The league aimed to reduce risks associated with overseas training while fostering a supportive environment for athletes, as seen through Brittney Griner’s legal challenges in Russia. Stewart even earned Unrivaled’s second championship earlier this year, captaining Mist BC past Phantom BC in a high-scoring final where her performance was celebrated as an Unrivaled MVP. However, her off-court actions went viral when she held up an 'Abolish ICE' sign during a player introduction, urging policies to prioritize families over fear and violence. She cited her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, whose struggle to secure U.S. citizenship highlights the human cost of ICE policies under the Trump administration. Stewart expressed concern about the current climate of hate and emphasized the need for systemic reforms to address these issues. Beyond sports, Stewart’s trophies and medals reflect her athletic excellence, but her convictions carry greater weight. To stay updated on LGBTQ+ stories, politics, and culture, follow her on Queerty’s newsletter. Join 300+ members today for free, and share your favorite stories with us.
