Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark addressed the online racism and hate that WNBA players endure during her exit interview on Friday, following her team’s playoff elimination. “It’s undeniably distressing. No one in our league should be subjected to any form of racism – harmful, disrespectful, or hateful comments and threats. Those individuals are not fans; they are trolls, and their behavior is a significant disservice to the players, the organization, and the WNBA,” Clark stated.
“However, there are many genuine fans, whether they have been supporting the league for over 20 years or are new to our sport. I believe that continuing to promote the league in a positive light is the best course of action because there are so many exceptional players, teams, and inspiring stories that deserve to be highlighted. That’s why I became a fan of this league. These players were my role models growing up, and I aspired to be like them. So, continuing to uplift and represent the league positively is crucial moving forward.”
WNBA players have increasingly spoken out about the harassment that has accompanied the league’s growing popularity, urging officials to take stronger measures against racist and sexist abuse. Clark’s debut in the WNBA this year contributed to record viewership and attendance, solidifying the league’s place in mainstream US sports culture, where racism and misogyny are still pervasive.
The issue reached a critical point during the ongoing WNBA playoffs. “I don’t welcome the new fans who shout racial slurs at me, my teammates, and our opponents,” Brittney Griner commented on Thursday, a day after her Phoenix Mercury were ousted from the postseason by the Minnesota Lynx. “I appreciate the new fans who respect the game and are here to support the league’s growth.”
Alyssa Thomas, a five-time All-Star with the Connecticut Sun, revealed that the abuse she faced from Indiana fans during the playoffs was unprecedented in her 11-year WNBA career. “It’s unacceptable, honestly,” Thomas told reporters after the Sun swept Clark’s Fever in the best-of-three series. “There’s no place for it.” The Sun will face the Lynx in the semi-finals.
The WNBA issued a statement on Wednesday night condemning racist abuse by fans. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments,” the league declared. “League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will collaborate directly with teams and arenas to implement appropriate measures, including involving law enforcement when necessary.” Griner described the statement as “long overdue.” “We all deserve to play in a safe environment,” she emphasized. “I deserve to play without the fear of racial and sexist comments.”
