The WNBA has experienced unprecedented success in viewership and attendance this season, but this surge has brought negative consequences. Players report an increase in racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and threatening attacks, which have impacted their mental health.
Some players have resorted to deactivating or limiting their social media to escape the harassment, even though these platforms are vital for marketing and income. Phoagleenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner mentioned experiencing racist taunts, and Angel Reese revealed AI-generated nude images of her have been circulated online.
Connecticut Sun’s DiJonai Carrington shared a graphic and threatening email she received after poking Caitlin Clark’s eye during a game. Alyssa Thomas stated that the racist bullying she and her teammates encountered was the most intense in her 11 seasons. Sky forward Brianna Turner noted, “With more exposure, we’re seeing more people spreading hate and being messy online.”
This toxic environment is in stark contrast to the inclusive space the WNBA has aimed to create. New fan factions are treating the league as material for culture-war arguments. Players like Isabelle Harrison appreciate the attention but reject the associated hate and bigotry.
The rivalry between Clark, who is White, and Reese, who is Black, has added complexity to the situation. Despite Reese’s injury, she set WNBA records for consecutive double-doubles and rebounds. Fever forward Aliyah Boston remarked that people are using the attention on the Fever to spread hate.
Accusations of jealousy among veteran players towards Clark’s stardom have fueled tension. Personal attacks and foul-related debates overshadow the actual gameplay skills. The league has condemned online harassment and mentioned law enforcement involvement for player safety.
Chicago Sky introduced an app to filter negative social media posts, and the WNBA provided mental health resources pre-season. Nonetheless, players like Breanna Stewart advocate for more training on handling internet harassment.
The cost of quitting social media is high, given the potential income from endorsements. Players like Zia Cooke balance between staying mentally stable and leveraging social media for earnings. Legalized sports betting has also prompted fans to send threatening messages about performance-affecting bets.
Attacks against WNBA players often center on their racial and sexual identities rather than their athletic skills. Reese, who commands significant social media followings, occasionally takes breaks to avoid vitriol, emphasizing the need for mental respite despite their human resilience.
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