After much deliberation, the governing bodies finally chose a new name - quadball. And because we shared the name Quidditch, it started to affect our brand.ĭAVIS: That's Mary Kimball, executive director of the organization formerly known as U.S. MARY KIMBALL: As a mixed-gender sport, inclusivity is really important to us.

And while the connection to Rowling's series was once a draw, the author alienated many players with her anti-trans comments and stances. It's now played in 40 countries by nearly 600 teams. Each team has seven players - three chasers, two beaters, one keeper and the seeker.ĭAVIS: The game has come a long way since it was founded in 2005 at Middlebury College in Vermont. SEAN BIGGERSTAFF: (As Oliver Wood) Quidditch is easy enough to understand.

The magical game was so captivating that it inspired a real-life version that has the same positions and basic premise as the fictional game. WYNNE DAVIS, BYLINE: Anyone who has seen the movies will remember the dramatic scenes of Harry Potter diving through air on his broomstick over the Quidditch pitch. LUKE YOUNGBLOOD: (As Lee Jordan) Hello, and welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch game of the season - Slytherin versus Gryffindor. (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, 'HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCEROR'S STONE') NPR's Wynne Davis looks into the controversy that's led to the change. Quidditch, the real-life sport inspired by the 'Harry Potter' series, is changing its name to try to distance itself from author J.K.

Watch legend of the seeker free