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Angels Pitcher Joins Push Against Oil and Gas Sponsorships Ahead of World Cup Protests
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- Angels Pitcher Joins Push Against Oil and Gas Sponsorships Ahead of World Cup Protests
Oil and gas sponsorships are becoming more and more frequent in sports. The term "sportswashing" describes how fossil fuel companies partner with sports teams to help improve their reputation.
Saudi Aramco is the largest oil and gas company and is the main sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers are sponsored by Phillips 66.
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On June 21, climate activists are protesting against these fossil fuel sponsorships at several sports stadiums around the country.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Brent Suter has recently spoken out against oil and gas sponsorships in sports. The southpaw reliever the first American professional athlete to take a stand against these sponsorships, according to Climate Colored Goggles .
"As an athlete, I care a lot about promoting companies that share my values, and I also care a lot about our planet," Suter said in a Sierra Club Angeles Chapter press release . "Have I used and directly benefited from fossil fuels in my life? Absolutely. Do I believe that continuing to fully depend on fossil fuels as a society is dangerous? Absolutely. We need to find ways to power our society in cleaner ways, and I want to represent companies that want to be part of the solution."
May 29, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Brent Suter (37) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images
Suter, who signed with the Angels in free agency in February, is heavily involved in the battle against climate change. He studied environmental science and policy at Harvard and is part of the advisory board for EcoAthletes. Suter also contributed to the launch of Sidelining Carbon.
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Both EcoAthletes and Sidelining Carbon incorporate sustainability into sports.
Where Will These Protests Take Place?
There will be protests held at five different FIFA World Cup stadiums, including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Additionally, there will be protests at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, BMO Field in Toronto and Lumen Field in Seattle.
SoFi Stadium is hosting a Group G game between Belgium and Iran on June 21. Meanwhile, Hard Rock Stadium is hosting a Group H game between Uruguay and Cabo Verde on the day of the protest.
May 25, 2026; Inglewood, CA, USA; A general overall view of Sofi Stadium (Los Angeles Stadium), a host site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In addition to the World Cup stadiums, protests will be held at other sports stadiums involved with oil and gas sponsorships. These stadiums include Dodger Stadium, Providence Park in Portland, Golden 1 Center in Sacramento and Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Photo Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images
The post Angels Pitcher Joins Push Against Oil and Gas Sponsorships Ahead of World Cup Protests appeared first on LA Sports Report .
