The Liberty and Storm honored Breonna Taylor ahead of their game in Orlando. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Liberty, Storm hold 26-second moment of silence for Breonna Taylor before tipoff

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/25/20

The WNBA didn't just paint "Black Lives Matter" on the court ahead of their 2020 season opener, they went above and beyond to bring racial injustice issues to light.

The New York Liberty and Seattle Storm held a 26-second moment of silence ahead of the opening tipoff to honor the life of Breonna Taylor. Taylor, a Black woman, was shot and killed by Louisville police while sleeping in her apartment.

“We are dedicating this season to Breonna Taylor, an outstanding EMT who was murdered over 130 days ago in her home. Breonna Taylor was dedicated and committed to uplifting everyone around her,” said the Liberty’s Layshia Clarendon prior to the moment of silence.

Say Her Name pic.twitter.com/JrQMltcwvP
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 25, 2020

Both teams also walked off the court during the national anthem as part of efforts to bring social justice issues to light.

As the national anthem was played, the @nyliberty and @seattlestorm walked off the floor as part of the social justice initiative. pic.twitter.com/VihH5X3Yzh
— ESPN (@espn) July 25, 2020

The league also is honoring Taylor by wearing her name on their jerseys. Players will be able to wear her name for the rest of the season if they so choose.

The WNBA has engaged in a bubble plan similar to the NBA. They'll be playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, beginning with a game between the New York Liberty and Seattle Storm.

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