How Chicago Sky and Moonshot Team Up to Shield Players on Social Media

In an era where social media is more than just a platform for connection, the potential threats looming in the digital space are very real, especially for public figures like athletes. The Chicago Sky has become a pioneer in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) by taking a proactive stance in safeguarding its players against online threats. Collaborating with Moonshot, a leader in digital threat detection, Chicago Sky is setting a new standard for player protection.

The Urgent Need for Digital Protections

With physical security — around hotels, gyms, and travel logistics — already in place, the Chicago Sky recognized that the next battleground for player safety was online. As Sky guard Ariel Atkins aptly stated, the often inhumane comments directed at athletes online needed to be addressed. The organization’s empathy-driven decision reflects a profound understanding: athletes are human and deserve protection beyond the court.

How Moonshot Shields the Players

Moonshot’s pioneering technology, initially engineered for counterterrorism, now plays a crucial role in monitoring over 25 social media and internet platforms. It filters millions of postings to pinpoint those posing direct threats to athletes. Downscaling these threats relies on Moonshot’s human team, comprising clinical psychologists and social workers, who assess and handle these alerts. When necessary, posts are flagged for removal or escalated to law enforcement.

The Human Touch in Digital Protection

According to Moonshot co-founder and CEO Vidhya Ramalingam, technology is only part of the solution; human insight and intervention add a necessary dimension to combating this human problem. This collaboration with the Chicago Sky demonstrates the critical nature of technological and personal synergy.

A Partnership Born from Shared Experiences

The partnership emerged from Chicago Sky co-owner Nadia Rawlinson’s experiences, driving her focus to protect players. Reading about Moonshot’s work triggered a quick alliance, founded on shared experiences and a commitment to addressing the racial and gender underrepresentation in solving these issues. Rawlinson’s and Ramalingam’s shared backgrounds shaped their approach, underpinning their resolve to bring real change.

The Road Ahead for Women’s Sports Innovation

As stated in Squamish Chief, the union of Chicago Sky and Moonshot is an encouraging precedent, reflecting the growing visibility and investment in women’s sports. This partnership represents how technology and empathetic leadership can bridge the gap between visibility and safety, ensuring athletes can focus on what they love — playing the game.

This pioneering initiative by the Chicago Sky and Moonshot not only protects the players but also sets a beacon for the world of women’s sports, ushering a future that balances popularity with security. The union of sports, technology, and human empathy paves the way for transformative impact within and beyond the WNBA.