From canceling the season in March, to the BLM protest responses, to the creation of their bubble, to this week’s strike, the NBA has played a central role in America’s biggest stories during 2020. During two weeks of nonstop politicking by both parties, the biggest political story may be the deal negotiated by the NBA. With voting access (by mail and by person) on the line in November, NBA players made the use of their arenas as polling places a central element in their deal to resume the playoffs.

+ The deal was struck with the help of an outside advisor. Barack Obama. Meanwhile, President Trump argued that the NBA’s political protests will “destroy basketball.” (Either that, or ensure it continues to be played in a democracy.)