Harry Potter-Inspired Sport Changes Name To Distance From JK Rowling
Two governing bodies of the professional sport of quidditch, a sport inspired by the Harry Potter novels, officially changed its name, pointing to Potter author J.K. Rowling's political stances as part of the reason why. The Harry Potter franchise's popularity had for years been untouchable, with all seven books becoming best-sellers, all eight films becoming box-office hits, and theme park addition The Wizarding World of Harry Potter becoming a draw for Universal Studios. In addition to the franchise's effect on the pop culture world, and the financial assist it has given Warner Bros. Discovery over the last two decades, the world of Harry Potter has also spread to the real world, with multiple quidditch leagues, such as U.S. Quidditch and Major League Quidditch, forming as early as 2005.
At the same time, while the Harry Potter franchise has mostly prospered in the decade since the film series ended with 2011's Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, recent interest in the series has diminished due to insight into Rowling's own beliefs. Lately, Rowling's social media has put a spotlight on her anti-trans views, as the author frequently perpetuates stereotypes and boosts the profiles of other transphobic figures online. As a result, many LGBTQ+ fans of Harry Potter have abandoned the franchise, and this backlash appears to be one reason why the latest Potter spinoff, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, failed to land at the box office this spring.
Related: Why Saved By The Bell Compares J.K. Rowling To Voldemort
Now, according to a report by NBC News, the governing bodies of both U.S. Quidditch and Major League Quidditch have confirmed their previously announced plans to change the name of the sport in
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