The New York Liberty, fresh off their 2024 WNBA Championship victory, are hoping to make a trip to the White House before the end of the year. Though, star player Jonquel Jones has made it clear that she won’t be joining the team if the visit takes place after the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump.
Speaking on WNBA analyst Khristina Williams’s podcast, “In Case You Missed It,” Jones revealed that discussions are underway to arrange a visit wiht the Biden governance before Trump takes office in January 2025. “Yeah, I think there have been some discussions for sure about us trying to get in there a little bit early,” Jones said. “And just try and get in with the current administration obviously.”
When asked about the possibility of a visit after the new administration takes over, Jones was unequivocal. “But I don’t know what they’re gonna do after the new administration comes in. But I won’t be going. I don’t know what they’re gonna do but JJ won’t be there if that’s the case,” she added.
Traditionally, WNBA champions visit the White House during the summer months, several months after the Finals conclude in October. The Las Vegas Aces, such as, visited in May 2024 after winning the championship in October 2023.
A pre-inauguration visit by the Liberty would be unprecedented. It’s worth noting that the Trump administration did not invite any WNBA championship teams to the White House during its tenure from 2017 to 2021. While the administration did initially invite the 2017 NBA champion Golden State Warriors, the invitation was rescinded after several players publicly stated they would decline.
A Return to Tradition
The 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks were the first team to visit the White House since the 2016 Cleveland cavaliers, marking a return to tradition under the Biden-Harris administration. The Bucks warmly accepted the invitation, signifying a renewed commitment to honoring championship teams.
Many NBA players have openly expressed their support for the Biden administration, highlighting the political climate surrounding these White House visits.
The White House tradition of welcoming championship sports teams might potentially be facing a significant change with the incoming Biden administration. While past presidents, including Donald Trump, have hosted numerous victorious teams from various leagues, the future of these celebratory visits remains uncertain.
During the Trump presidency, NBA champions notably declined invitations to the white House. “We’ve decided to not go to the White House,” Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry stated in 2017. this trend continued with subsequent NBA champions, the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers, also opting out of White House visits.
The reasons behind these decisions varied, but often centered around political disagreements with the Trump administration. “We don’t stand for basically what our president has – the things that he’s said and the things that he hasn’t said at times, about the people that are being discriminated against,” Curry explained.
In contrast, teams from the NHL and NFL, such as the New England patriots and Houston Astros, did accept invitations to the Trump White House.However, with the change in administration, it remains to be seen weather the biden White House will continue the tradition of hosting championship teams, and if so, which teams will choose to participate.
## champion for Change: jonquel Jones on the Championship, the White House, and Standing Up for Values
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
**October 26, 2024**
Last week, the New york Liberty lifted the WNBA Championship trophy, cementing their place in basketball history. Their dominant performance throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling finals victory, has electrified fans nationwide. But amidst the celebrations, a shadow of uncertainty hangs over the team’s traditional White House visit.Star player jonquel Jones’s recent comments have sparked a national conversation about athletes, politics, and the power of individual conscience.
In an exclusive interview with World Today News, Jonquel Jones sheds light on her stance and the Liberty’s ongoing discussions with the White House.
**WTN:** Congratulations on the Championship, Jonquel! This is a monumental achievement for you and the team. How does it feel to be WNBA Champions?
**JJ:** It’s unreal,honestly. We’ve worked incredibly hard all season, overcoming challenges and pushing each other to be our best. This win is a testament to the dedication and talent we have on this team.
**WTN:** Your performance throughout the playoffs was truly phenomenal. Can you tell us a little about your mindset heading into the finals?
**JJ:** I was focused on making every moment count. The finals are about proving yourself on the biggest stage, and I wanted to leave it all on the court. This championship means everything to me and to this team.
**WTN:** Speaking of making moments count,you’ve made headlines recently for your comments regarding a potential White House visit.Can you elaborate on your position?
**JJ:** It’s important to understand what this means to me personally. The White House symbolizes our nation’s values, and I believe in equality, respect, and justice for all.
**WTN:** You’ve stated you wouldn’t attend a visit under the incoming administration. Can you explain your reasoning behind that decision?
**JJ:** Let’s just say I don’t share the same values as the incoming administration. I believe in using my platform to stand up for what I believe in, and that includes disassociating myself from those who don’t align with my principles.
**WTN:** Some people have criticized your decision, suggesting athletes should stay out of politics. How do you respond to that?
**JJ:** I understand their viewpoint,but I see sports as inherently political.Everything from funding discrepancies to social justice issues intersects with the political landscape. I have a voice, and I choose to use it to advocate for what I believe is right.
**WTN:** The Liberty are reportedly working with the Biden administration to perhaps arrange a visit before the inauguration. How are those discussions progressing?
**JJ:** We’re hoping to make this happen. There have been positive conversations,and we’re optimistic that we can find a way to celebrate this victory together as a team,within a timeframe that respects everyone’s position.
**WTN:** Ultimately, what message do you hope to send with your decision?
**JJ:** I want to inspire others to stand up for what thay believe in, nonetheless of the consequences. It’s about speaking truth to power and using your platform to create positive change.
**WTN:** Jonquel Jones, thank you for your candor and congratulations again on your remarkable achievement.
**JJ:** Thank you.
**This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.**
