Growth is Great But at What Cost?

Unpacking the Role of Racism and Misogynoir in the League’s Popularity Surge

There are a lot of eyes on the WNBA. The league deserves this attention and recognition. There is high-level basketball being played. There is passion, competitiveness, and skill, so it’s about time the rest of the world caught on to what so many of us already knew. The W been lit. But it should not be lost on us that a part of this growth—not all of it, but a part of it—is rooted in misogynoir, anti-Black racism, and misogyny directed at Black women.

Napheesa Collier calls fans toxic on Sue Bird's and Megan Rapinoe's Podcast

America Has a Problem

The increased visibility is great, but it’s been driven by the media’s manufactured rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark—a narrative rooted in racial undertones.

Angel Reese is disproportionately scrutinized in the media. People are critiquing her game out loud, which is fine, but not a lot of people are speaking on the run she’s having as a sophomore. The 2-time All-Star is averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. 

The WNBA’s popularity has been accompanied by racism and some direct threats at players like DiJonai Carrington, Brittney Griner, and even Caitlin Clark. But there were consequences for the man who harassed Caitlin Clark. She received justice; her harassment was taken seriously. This has not been the case for other players.

Let’s be clear—the societal prejudices have always existed. But is the league doing enough to protect its Black players, or are they giving racism a platform? Cathy Englebert, commissioner of the WNBA, said the league is having a “Bird and Magic moment” in an interview on CNBC back in September 2024. That rivalry had racial narratives, shaped by the media, and it was in the '80s. Englebert initially ignored the racial undertones of the manufactured rivalry between Reese and Clark. Using racism to market the WNBA is downplaying the mental impact it has on Black women.

The WNBA is predominantly made up of Black women and openly LGBTQ women. The league has been faced with these overlapping intersectional challenges since its inception. Black players are bearing the brunt of this growth. There is a responsibility here to protect the players and take control of the narrative. The league could start by promoting equitable media coverage and creating real rivalries—not ones that mirror historical American bigotry.