In a recent press briefing, Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon displayed visible frustration when asked about the likelihood of forward Angel Reese making the Team USA roster. The seemingly straightforward question quickly escalated into a tense exchange, highlighting underlying tensions.
“Seriously, are you really asking me that?” Weatherspoon shot back, her irritation palpable. “Does she have what it takes? She’s proving it every game. Absolutely, she has what it takes.”
Weatherspoon’s vehement defense of Reese and other Sky players brought to light a broader issue of media scrutiny within the WNBA. Unlike the NBA, the WNBA often grapples with a lack of mainstream media attention. However, recent interest has surged due to rising stars like Caitlin Clark, whose exclusion from the latest Olympic team roster stirred public debate.
WNBA’s Strained Relationship with Media
The WNBA has long fought for recognition and respect, frequently criticized for its perceived hypersensitivity to media coverage compared to the NBA. Weatherspoon’s passionate response, alongside reactions from players such as Chennedy Carter, signals a growing discontent with what they see as unfair media treatment and constant comparisons to more established leagues.
Reese’s previous fine for missing a mandatory media session further illustrates the ongoing struggle within the league as it contends with increased media scrutiny and the responsibility of promoting a sport striving for greater acknowledgment.
With new fans discovering the WNBA through its standout players and the controversies that arise, the league’s future direction and media strategy remain hot topics. The conversation about entitlement versus advocacy for fair coverage is a recurring theme as women’s professional basketball aims to secure a more prominent position in the sports world.