The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is at an all-time high—breaking ticket sales records, captivating TV audiences, and showcasing jaw-dropping talent. But alongside this triumph, there’s a darker shadow cast by the trolls and bigots who seem terrified by the success of these talented women. Hiding behind their screens, these keyboard warriors are doing their best to remind us that ignorance is alive and well.
What’s happening is as predictable as it is infuriating. Players—many of whom are Black and part of the LGBTQ+ community—have been hit with an onslaught of racist, sexist, and homophobic abuse online. Most recently, Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington became a target when she shared an anonymous email containing threats of violence. Instead of discussing game-winning shots and record-breaking stats, Carrington was stuck addressing hate.
In response, the WNBA issued a strong statement condemning the behavior, but it’s a familiar pattern. When powerful women and people of color succeed, someone, somewhere, gets threatened. Just ask the U.S. women’s soccer team, which drew the ire of Trump’s fan club when they called out his administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies back in 2019. Or, remember swimmer Lia Thomas? The hate thrown her way showed how our society loves to play gatekeeper in women’s sports. We’re all about “equality”—as long as it doesn’t challenge the status quo.
Luckily, this isn’t a league that backs down. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, fresh off her WNBA Rookie of the Year win, didn’t mince words. “Those who insult aren’t fans. Those are trolls,” she told reporters, calling out the hate and backing her fellow players. And her coach, Christie Sides, went even further, condemning the attacks as “racist rhetoric” that has no place in the game. Not exactly the kind of post-playoff press conference people expect, but in 2024, who are we kidding?
Support from fellow players and coaches poured in. Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White has spent decades in basketball, but even she admits she’s “never seen anything like this.” It’s one thing to criticize a team’s defense; it’s another to spew vitriol just because a player doesn’t look or love like you.
And if you think these attacks aren’t taking a toll, think again. Players are taking drastic steps to avoid the onslaught, limiting their social media or ditching it altogether—a move that could cost them a valuable revenue stream in fan marketing. But maybe peace of mind matters more than that sponsored post after all.
The WNBA has yet to roll out specific measures to protect players from this abuse, but given the league’s current trajectory, one thing is clear: these women aren’t going anywhere. So, to the haters in the comments section, here’s some advice—take a deep breath, log off, and maybe consider using that energy to work on your jump shot.
