Quidditch changed its name to quadball to “distance” it from Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
A fictionalized version of the sport, played on flying broomsticks, first appeared in the famous book series.
The real version is played by almost 600 teams in 40 countries, but the author never endorsed it.
League bosses previously said Rowling’s comments about trans rights were partly behind her desire for a name change.
The International Quidditch Association (IQA) and Major League Quidditch (MLQ) said the author “was under scrutiny for her anti-trans positions” and a desire to expand the sport commercially were factors in the decision.
Described as a mixed-gender, full-contact sport, Quidditch encourages those who identify with the trans and non-binary community to participate.
In the real version, players walk with broomsticks between their legs.
The QuidditchUK (QUK) governing body said it was “pleased” with the change, describing it as “symbolically and practically significant”.
“The name change demonstrates a firm stance towards our trans players and members, gives us a stronger legal footing, and opens up greater opportunities for funding and outside partners.”
Tom Fiske started playing in Exeter in 2015 and believes the name change to quadball is “absolutely the right next step in terms of the development of the sport”.
The 28-year-old from London told Radio 1 Newsbeat it will allow the game “to develop its own identity and grow like any other sport”.
He says the impact of JK Rowling’s comments also means that “it’s good to separate one from the other”.
In the short term, however, the name change may have some downsides.
The “bombastic imagery of saying you’re playing Quidditch” makes an impression on people, says Tom, and the name change will lose that aspect of the game.
He admits that perhaps fewer people are interested in attending events like freshman week, where the name “Quidditch” can be a big draw.
“But I think the benefits outweigh this impression,” he says.
“Basically it’s a professional sport played by people who are very good at what they do and it tends towards being treated as competitive.”
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Tom says he was a “fervent fan” of Harry Potter as a child and the books “made an impression”, but says he didn’t just enjoy the sport because of his association with Harry Potter.
“I enjoyed it myself because of the community and the sport, which has brought me a lot.”
Late last year, US Quidditch and MLQ announced they were conducting a series of polls to find a new name for the sport after JK Rowling drew criticism for her views on gender identity.
In the past, the author has said she was partially motivated to speak out on transgender issues because of her experiences of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Critics have accused the author of being transphobic, an accusation she firmly denies.
QUK said at the time the name change was a necessary “shift toward our own identity” due to issues surrounding the Warner Brothers film company’s branding and Rowling’s comments.
The trademark for “Quidditch” is owned by the film and entertainment company Warner Brothers, which is currently restricting its commercial opportunities.
QUK stated, “More importantly, distancing JK Rowling will solidify the sport and community as the inclusive space they already are.”
Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are among those who have distanced themselves from their comments, and Rowling was not involved in filming a reunion special that aired earlier this year.
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