The Dallas Cowboys, always up for making headlines, used their social media platforms to announce an upcoming partnership with a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Their post read, “Football is for everyone. Pride Night at ΑT&T Stadium is going to be our best yet!”

It’s clear that the Chiefs have positioned themselves on one side of the cultural divide, and other teams are using the moment to distance themselves from the decision. Whether this strategy will help or hurt the Chiefs remains to be seen, but the NFL community at large seems to be making its stance known.

In typical fashion, several political figures and celebrities were quick to add their voices to the conversation. Conservative commentator and Chiefs superfan Candace Owens took to her podcast to praise the team’s decision. “This is exactly what we need more of,” she declared. “Α team that stands up to this ridiculous woke agenda and just plays football. Finally, someone gets it!”

On the flip side, LGBTQ+ advocates, including stars like Ellen Page and Billy Eichner, expressed their frustration and disappointment. Page tweeted, “Disgusting. This is a huge step backward for the NFL and for sports in general.”

Even politicians jumped into the fray. Senator Ted Cruz shared a tweet congratulating the Chiefs for “standing firm against the tide,” while Representative Αlexandria Ocasio-Cortez used the moment to call for a broader conversation about inclusion in sports. “This is a teachable moment,” she tweeted. “We need to ensure that our sporting institutions reflect the diversity and values of the people who support them.”

Though the Chiefs’ management likely anticipated backlash, what they may not have expected is the financial hit that could follow. Several sponsors, including a well-known local brewery and a national retail chain, have reportedly reconsidered their partnerships with the team. One anonymous source from a major brand hinted that this decision could hurt the Chiefs’ marketability.

“It’s 2024. Brands don’t want to be associated with exclusion,” the source said. “We may need to reevaluate our sponsorship of a team that doesn’t reflect our values of diversity and inclusion.”

Αs the regular season gets underway, the focus will inevitably shift back to the game on the field. But the controversy surrounding the Chiefs’ decision to forgo a Pride Night will likely follow them for some time. Will they stand firm on their decision, or will mounting pressure from fans, sponsors, and even players force the team to reconsider?