The WNBA has seen immense success this season, with increased viewership and attendance. However, the rise in popularity has also brought a surge in harassment towards players. Athletes are facing racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and threatening attacks during the playoffs, leading to a significant mental toll.
Some players have taken drastic measures to protect themselves, such as deactivating social media accounts or limiting engagement. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner revealed instances of racist taunts, while Angel Reese faced the circulation of AI-generated nude images.
Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington shared a graphic email with violent threats and a racist slur. The toxic environment has marred the inclusive space that the league has strived to create over the past three decades, with many players pointing out the need to address this issue.
The situation has been exacerbated by the rivalry between players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, with tension brewing among fans and commentators. The focus has shifted away from the players’ skills and accomplishments, leading to personal attacks and politicization of their presence.
Despite efforts from the league to condemn online harassment and provide support to players, the issue persists. Players like Chelsea Gray and Breanna Stewart are calling for more robust measures to protect athletes from hateful messages and threats.
While some players have opted to remove themselves from social media to safeguard their mental health, others continue to engage despite the risks. The intersection of race and gender further complicates the attacks, making them more personal and hurtful.
It is crucial for the WNBA to address these challenges and ensure the well-being of its players, who face not only the pressures of competition but also the burden of online harassment. The league must continue to take a stand against hate speech and provide resources to support its athletes.
— The Athletic’s Grace Raynor and Sabreena Merchant contributed to this report.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photo: iStock)
