SAN FRANCISCO – After the Golden State Valkyries wrapped up their victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night, I found myself searching for a late-night snack outside the Chase Center, feeling a bit lost for words.
A woman in a lavender Valkyries jersey noticed the media badge hanging around my neck while I was trying to figure out what to order at a nearby restaurant. To my surprise, she offered to buy my meal.
As we struck up a conversation, she expressed her gratitude for the media coverage of the WNBA, saying how much she appreciated it as a passionate fan. Offering to cover my meal, she reasoned that it was the least she could do.
Honestly, I was taken aback. What a kind gesture!
I graciously turned down her offer and chuckled to myself, realizing she knew I was from the media but probably didn’t recognize which organization I belonged to since I hadn’t taken off my badge yet.
It’s interesting—many dedicated WNBA fans might not fully grasp the extent of coverage the league gets from us at Fox News Digital/OutKick.
To be fair, we have highlighted how the WNBA is gaining traction, showcasing its improving TV ratings and fan attendance. We’ve celebrated standout players like Caitlin Clark and followed the journeys of other notable athletes, including Sophie Cunningham and Angel Reese, extending our praise beyond just the basics.
However, unlike many media outlets that tend to coddle the league, we haven’t shied away from pointing out the absurdities that can accompany the WNBA, and for good reason.
This league, oh man. Recently, it has left me, well, speechless more than once. If only I could communicate that with a facepalm emoji right now.
Before becoming part of this coverage, I spent over two decades discussing the WNBA, starting back in its inaugural season. During those early days, players appeared humble and were genuinely appreciative of their opportunity to play in the U.S., fully aware of the role models they were for young girls.
That league seemed easy to root for. I felt good taking my kids, especially my daughter, to watch the games. I’d encourage the young girls on the basketball teams I coached to dream big—dream of playing in the WNBA one day.
But if I were to give that advice now? Well, I’m not so sure.
For many current players, there’s this aura of entitlement that’s quite off-putting.
And in the past few years, the WNBA has made a series of self-defeating decisions that are just hard to keep track of. I’ll try to summarize them, though.
The league, originally intended to empower and uplift women, now struggles to define what a woman truly is. This confusion has sparked debates, such as those around Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White—both former NBA players making headlines for their controversial stances, yet choosing to distance themselves from the WNBA. It’s baffling, really, given that the league’s title emphasizes women. It begs the question: why does the WNBA seem to overlook that?
Somehow, this WNBA has turned its back on many fans by allowing its players to make serious accusations and engage in unsavory behavior. There have been allegations of racism from players like Angel Reese towards fans, and instances of confrontations during games that are just plain bad looks.
The league’s messaging can be very selective. While there’s apparent freedom for expressing favored ideologies, supporters of women’s sports have faced pushback for their views, while some players flaunt opposition to keeping boys out of girls’ sports without consequence.
Then we have the latest controversy around the national anthem. In yet another example of odd behavior, both teams in the Finals—Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries—ran off the court just before the anthem was played, only to return right afterward. Five games, five instances of this. It raises the question of the reasoning behind such a routine. Is it really necessary to disappear and reappear for such a brief moment? It feels disrespectful and goes against the cultural significance of playing the anthem before sports events. How can there be anything negative about honoring the country and those who have fought for our freedom?
But the WNBA seems intent on creating headlines, especially given how much attention they’ve been grabbing for, well, less than favorable reasons. I mean, could this be a part of some grand marketing strategy? Who knows—maybe their approach is to be provocative, banking on the idea that “bad publicity is still publicity.”
During the last game, I spoke to many fans, and honestly, I was startled by what they had to say. Most weren’t particularly bothered by the anthem situation; they seemed refreshingly normal yet had completely different perspectives. Some expressed that whether players stand during the anthem should be left to their discretion. Others even suggested that the anthem shouldn’t be played at all before games.
What can I say? Speechless.
Perhaps this ongoing madness is also why the WNBA seems to thrive amidst controversy. It doesn’t appear to be worried about backlash.
Despite everything, crowds continue to flock to their games. Chase Center was absolutely packed the other night.
In a country that often feels divided, the WNBA might have just enough supporters who resonate with its stance, keeping the lights on regardless of the chaos. And that, well, that just leaves the rest of us, frankly…speechless.
Will the WNBA ever reconsider its approach that seems to alienate a significant portion of the audience? Do they care about the wider implications that “Republicans buy sneakers, too?” I welcome any thoughts you might want to share.
