Watch: NBA superstar Kyrie Irving wears ‘PRESS’ shirt at Mavericks–Jazz game to honour Gaza journalists, video goes viral

In a politically charged moment that transcended sport, Dallas Mavericks and NBA star Kyrie Irving grabbed global attention recently when he was photographed wearing a “PRESS” shirt during a Mavericks home game against Utah Jazz, a gesture seen by many as a tribute to Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza and a call for press freedom and humanitarian awareness.

The navy blue shirt, produced by advocacy brand Wear The Peace, came with a bold white tag in the centre and carried the word "PRESS" as it resembled the ones that Palestinian journalists wear while reporting from ground in Gaza.This is not the first time that Irving stepped out wearing advocacy on his sleeve. He has often donned merchandise featuring imagery and messages honouring the memory of these journalists, including Saleh al-Jafarawi, a young Palestinian media figure killed during the conflict in Gaza.

This was the latest in a series of high-profile symbolic actions by the NBA All-Star and it quickly sparked reaction on social media, sports feeds and international platforms.The image of Irving wearing the solidarity shirt circulated widely across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Threads, with many praising the gesture as purposeful advocacy from one of basketball’s most influential athletes. Supporters argued that by spotlighting the plight of journalists who risk and lose their lives covering conflict zones, Irving was drawing attention to broader concerns about freedom of expression, civilian protection and humanitarian crisis reporting in the Gaza Strip.

More than a fashion statement: What Kyrie Irving's 'PRESS' shirt symbolises

The shirt Irving wore reflects a growing trend among athletes using their visibility to highlight global issues, especially where journalists have been targeted while reporting on conflicts. In the context of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, media workers have faced deadly risks and the deaths of figures like Saleh al-Jafarawi have become symbolic of the dangers faced by those trying to document human suffering.

Irving’s choice of garment, associated with Wear The Peace, an organisation that pairs advocacy with humanitarian support, was therefore widely interpreted as a deliberate act of solidarity with oppressed communities and a tribute to journalists who lost their lives in conflict.The sentiment underscores a frustration with perceived silence from public figures on human rights issues, even as some athletes and entertainers use high-profile platforms to draw attention to the conflict. Taking to the social media handles on X and Instagram, Wear The Peace shared the viral clip of Irving donning the blue Press T-shirt and captioned it, "This is the third time we see @kyrieirving rocking Wear The Peace and we get even more hyped every time.

If your favorite celebrity didn’t speak up about Palestine, just remember they will continue to be silent when it’s you. Free Palestine and all oppressed people (sic)."

The comments section was instantly flooded. While one user wrote, "Yes!!!! That is THE best time to wear these shirts. Bravo. It’s really only because of y’all demonstrating your humanity like this that makes me still love people. We are definitely learning who will show up (sic)", another commented, "In a world built on silence, choosing humanity is an act of courage.

✊🏽 Kyrie's leading the way! (sic)."

Irving has previously also made visible gestures of solidarity with Palestinians and has been seen wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional symbol of Palestinian identity, during public appearances and press events, signalling his support amid the long-running Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The move was widely shared on social media and amplified in global news coverage, with many praising the gesture as meaningful activism by a prominent athlete.The viral post reflects a broader sentiment where fans and activists often look to influential figures for moral leadership on global issues. When celebrities speak out on humanitarian crises, whether through clothing choices, social media posts, public appearances or teary-eyed speeches, their reach can amplify awareness and mobilise public opinion. Events like the Artists4Ceasefire campaign demonstrate how collectives of artists and performers have banded together to call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, turning award shows and red carpets into stages for activism.At the same time, there is also intense debate over the role of entertainers and athletes in political matters. Critics argue that such platforms should stay focused on sport or art rather than global politics and social media commentary often reflects a split between supporters who see activism as courage and detractors who view it as inappropriate or misplaced. Social media threads frequently critique peers for remaining silent, with some users pointing out the “double standard” when high-profile figures comment on other causes but not Palestine.

Athletes, activism and the cultural debate

Irving’s shirt sparked a broad range of reactions online and in sports commentary. Supporters argued that athletes, especially those with massive global platforms, have a unique opportunity to elevate issues that might otherwise receive less attention in mainstream media. In an era where social media amplifies every gesture, a single shirt worn by an NBA star can reach millions of fans and followers around the world within minutes.

Critics, however, have historically questioned the role of athletes in political discourse, arguing that professional sports should remain separate from controversial geopolitical debates. This tension has followed Irving in particular: he has been both lauded for speaking out on international issues and criticised for past controversies, including a 2022 incident involving social media posts that drew widespread rebuke and ultimately led to suspension and organisational fallout.Irving’s decision to wear the shirt in support of press freedom and in memory of slain journalists struck a chord beyond basketball circles. It spotlighted the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones, a topic often overshadowed by broader political narratives. It reinforced the ongoing trend of athletes as influential voices in societal debates, from social justice to global conflict. It ignited fresh debate about the responsibilities and boundaries of public figures in political discourse.

The moment underscores how athletes today are increasingly seen not just as entertainers but as cultural actors whose choices from clothing to social media posts can shape public conversation. In Irving’s case, wearing a shirt honouring Palestinian journalists during a high-profile NBA game became a flashpoint for dialogue about humanity, media freedom and the power of visibility in a conflict-shaped world.

Sport meets global issues at center court

Irving is not alone among sports figures voicing concern over the situation in Gaza. Across international athletics, a number of prominent athletes have expressed solidarity with Palestinians despite facing criticism and backlash. Icons such as Lewis Hamilton, Mohamed Salah, Paul Pogba and Ons Jabeur are among sports stars who have publicly supported calls for humanitarian ceasefires and condemned violence affecting civilians during the Gaza war.This trend extends beyond the sports world. At major cultural events like the 2025 Emmys, actors including Megan Stalter, Javier Bardem and Hannah Einbinder used their platforms to show solidarity by carrying signs or delivering speeches urging peace and justice for Palestinians. In Bollywood, movements such as All Eyes on Rafah have drawn support from stars like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who posted messages of solidarity on social media amid calls to highlight the humanitarian crisis.What began as another NBA regular-season matchup transformed into a moment of symbolic activism when Kyrie Irving stepped onto the court wearing a shirt honouring Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza. Whether celebrated as a voice for the oppressed or critiqued as polarising, the gesture captured global attention, illustrating how sports and social consciousness continue to intersect in powerful ways and how, in 2026, even a T-shirt on a basketball court can echo around the world.