Quidditch becomes Quadball as sport rebrands itself away from J.K. Rowling’s trans comments.

By Ariel Marie (She/Her).

Fans of the beloved Harry Potter inspired sport, Quidditch, will now be referring to themselves as fans of Quadball as the league changes its name to distance itself from the transphobic comments made by J.K. Rowling. Both the Major League Quidditch and US Quidditch will now be known as Major League Quadball and US Quadball moving forward. The International Quidditch Association is expected to change its name in the future as well.

 

“In less than 20 years, our sport has grown from a few dozen college students in rural Vermont to a global phenomenon with thousands of players, semi-pro leagues and international championships,” Mary Kimball, the executive director of US Quadball, said in a statement.

Since its start in 2005, Quadball has gone from a fictional dream to an exciting reality, expanding into 40 countries and boasts 600 teams, according to the governing bodies. The Harry Potter author has often shared views that seem to take aim at transgender people, particularly trans women. Both organizations have denounced her comments and actions noting that the sport is, “one of the most progressive sports in the world on gender equality,” referencing a rule that requires teams to have no more than four players of the same gender on the field at the same time.

“This name change is a game changer for us, and we are looking to make the most of it,” Major League Quadball’s founders said, in an open letter to players.

Quadball, which refers to the number of balls and positions on the field, did not only have a rebranding to separate itself from Rowling though. There were two reasons for the name change noted, per the governing bodies. The second, neither organization owned the “quidditch” trademark. That trademark is owned by Warner Bros. film and entertainment company. This newfound creative freedom could really change the sports reach.

“Bringing full creative control of the name of our sport to the vibrant community of players and fans that has grown and sustained it will allow our organizations to take the next step… We are now able to pursue the kinds of opportunities that our community has dreamed about for years.” MLQ co-commissioner Amanda Dallas says in a statement.

Though the name has changed, the excitement for the unique gender inclusive sport, which has characteristics of rugby, dodgeball, and tag, is stronger than ever. The rules of the sport will remain the same, and for now the names of the four positions and 4 balls on the filed stay the same as well, however MLQ notes that both could still change later. So to all the Chasers, Keepers, Beaters, and Seekers out there, grab your brooms and your Quaffle, and lets play some Quadball!