Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said the rise in misogyny and racism within the WNBA during the 2024 season has left her professionally exhausted.
During the performance “Great match with Sara Spain” Podcast Reeve on Monday cited a recent increase in “nastiness” and “toxicity” surrounding the WNBA since the league's viewership and attendance numbers soared following the arrival of its 2024 rookie class, led by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Skys forward Angel Reese.
“This is unacceptable and our players deserve to be treated better,” Reeve said. “I'm so proud of the WNBA players, how strong their united voice is, they get it, and I'm hopeful that this will all calm down. I'm not sure.”
“Having a more diverse fan base is a great thing, but I think having a more diverse fan base is going to be a challenge for us. And I think what happens next, who speaks up and who uses their voice during this time, I think will really impact how this entire league moves forward.”
Reeve explained that it's “disheartening” to see such a negative atmosphere surrounding the WNBA.
“[The] The WNBA — I don't want to say it's a safe place — [the] The WNBA was a space where we all felt like we could be our true selves, and we were making great strides to create change for the greater good, for society as a whole.
“…And this vitriol, this toxicity, is a reminder. For example, [diversity, equity, and inclusion] come out [the murder of] The George Floyd incident was one of the most shocking events, and I thought it would be a step forward for American business, sports, and opportunity.
“And then to see all of this come undone so quickly and people just accepting it so proudly. It's disappointing. What I was trying to do, what was an incredible summer, was incredibly difficult and incredibly exhausting professionally. And now, on a personal note, I think we have to find the energy to make sure this doesn't happen in the world of the WNBA. And I intend to find it.”
Reeve's comments came after WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced backlash from players for avoiding questions about how she would address the “dark” side of social media and its impact on the league's players, particularly Clark and Reese's fanbases and conversations about racism and sexuality.
Reese then accused Clarke's fans of being racist during a recent episode of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.”
Former WNBA star Renee Montgomery supported the LSU alumni.
A new class of WNBA rookies, led by Clark, Reese and Sparks forward Cameron Brink, who came to the league from Iowa and Louisiana State, respectively, have helped elevate their status as college stars, helping to boost viewership, revenue and attendance.
The Clark-Reese rivalry played a pivotal role in the growth of women's basketball at the collegiate level after Louisiana State defeated Iowa to win the 2023 NCAA title.
In 2024, the WNBA will have its most-watched season in history, with the league $50 million The plan is to provide full-time charter flight services to the team over the next two years.
Reeve also spoke about the criticism Clark received as head coach of Team USA when he was not included on the 12-man roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
“I think what people don't understand is that the national team manager has no authority whatsoever when it comes to selecting the team,” Reeve told a Spanish podcast.
The U.S. basketball team faced backlash after removing Clark from the Olympic roster, as some fans believed he would help boost viewership for the Summer Olympics.
At the time, selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti explained the decision was based on basketball criteria, not on the fame or attention Clark would bring to the Olympics.
“The example I give is when we were camping in Las Vegas and getting ready to go to Sydney, Australia for the World Cup, and one of my players, Kayla McBride of the Minnesota Lynx, was there,” Reeve said.
“K-MAC had a great camp and I think they should have gone to Sydney with us, but nobody [differently]”Especially the staff and committee members were there in the meeting. It felt like we all felt the same way – that K-MAC had a great camp. She wasn't going to be a finalist because she still had to go to Sydney and be finalist.” [but] I found out at the last minute that they had cut my player.
“So I said to K-MAC, if there’s ever a time when people understand that they have no right to say anything to the coach, this is it. But I [it]”You know, in this day and age, you've got to put the blame somewhere. I've taken a lot of bullets for USA Basketball. This is a special time. I've taken a lot of bullets … that's the reality. Once you sign up for that position, that's the reality.”
