The WNBA sure found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this week. In a statement that’s sparked major backlash, the league blasted its own fanbase for supposed “racist” behavior and warned that it would be “monitoring” fans during games, even threatening to call the police if things got out of hand. The move came after Connecticut Sun All-Star Alyssa Thomas went on a tirade over what she described as “racial comments” from Indiana Fever fans during two playoff games.
Let’s be clear: no one is condoning actual racist behavior. But here’s where it gets interesting—despite all the claims, neither the WNBA nor any team has actually produced concrete examples of these alleged “death threats” or racial slurs. That’s right, we’re all just supposed to take their word for it.
The WNBA’s full statement was packed with corporate buzzwords about welcoming fans but also made it crystal clear that anyone caught making derogatory comments would be dealt with—potentially by law enforcement. So, the league’s solution to vague, unverified claims of bad behavior? Turning its fans into potential criminals.
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 26, 2024
But here’s the kicker—while the WNBA is busy wagging its finger at its own audience, they seem totally uninterested in addressing what’s been happening on the court. Just ask Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation and top 2024 draft pick, who endured a season’s worth of fouls, bruises, and, oh yeah, at least one black eye. And who’s been responsible for a whopping 80% of the flagrant fouls against her? None other than the Chicago Sky. Funny how the WNBA hasn’t said much about that.
Interesting stat:
17% of the WNBA’s flagrant fouls this season have been committed against Caitlin Clark
The Chicago Sky were responsible for 80% of the flagrants committed against Clark pic.twitter.com/7m5gOvVIa7
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) September 1, 2024
Social media blew up after the WNBA’s tone-deaf statement, and the hypocrisy wasn’t lost on anyone. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) perfectly summed up the league’s misstep by pointing out the double standard: “You are more concerned about comments than about the blatant attacks on the only star player you have that is bringing fans to the games.”
Is this a JOKE??!!!??
You are more concerned about comments than about the blatant attacks on the only star player you have that is bringing fans to the games
You are pathetic
These attacks on Caitlin Clark should be stopped with enforced severe penalties against the attackers
— $8 Bartemy (@BartemyS) September 26, 2024
And let’s not forget Caitlin Clark is the reason people are watching. Before her arrival, the WNBA was struggling to fill seats. Now, when the Fever plays on the road, teams are moving games to larger venues to accommodate the increased demand. Clark’s impact on the league can’t be overstated—she’s a game-changer. And yet, instead of focusing on protecting their rising star from on-court abuse, the WNBA is more concerned with monitoring fans for comments that may or may not have even been made.
The WNBA’s priorities seem completely backward. While they’re quick to accuse their much-needed fans of racism, they seem blind to the blatant jealousy and rough play directed at Clark, arguably the best thing to happen to the league in years. If the WNBA wants to keep the momentum going, they might want to start by protecting the players who are actually drawing crowds and focus less on policing the people who are finally filling their stands.
