About the WNBA’s Weakness, Caitlin’s Complicity and Protecting Black Players

Enough is enough.

The WNBA and its commissioner Cathy Engelbert need to do way more in protecting Black players and the vitriol they’re receiving from league fans who just got here.

It is beyond time for them to do something tangible about fans in arenas who are being aggressive and heckling their players. They need to SHOW that they take the protection of your players very seriously. As a longtime fan of the WNBA and someone who has poured tens of thousands into my season tickets (shoutout to the Chicago Sky), and a fan of basketball, the state of affairs is unacceptable.

The players are who they owe the most to. And many of us who have watched the league for a long time think the energy of the WNBA right now is completely unacceptable.

Players like Angel Reese, who get harassed even more because of their visibility and because of a media manufactured rivalry deserve to feel safe when playing the game. The WNBA created a campaign called “NO SPACE FOR HATE” but it is not reflecting in how they’re handling the moments when players are getting slurs thrown at them. They need to do something tangible and real. We already spend too much time feeling unsafe in the rest of the world. A woman-centered league should prioritize SAFETY.

And frankly, this trash energy began when Caitlin Clark entered the league, and brought a fanbase with her that included a very loud and racist segment of trolls who have changed the atmosphere of the game. And their biggest target: Angel Reese, because in the LSU championship game in 2023, she flexed on Caitlin with a hand motion.

SINCE THEN, Caitlin’s mostly white male fans have been unhinged and feral, spewing all sorts of hate at Angel.

Is it Caitlin’s fault that many of her fans are racist trolls? You can argue no. BUT it is her responsibility to speak up about how she does not condone their behavior REGULARLY and STRONGLY. Not just one time but often. Why? Because in her silence or weak statements is a passive permission. Rebuke what they are doing on your behalf. Not once. Not quietly. And not only when it’s convenient.

And before y’all say “she’s young” so is Paige Bueckers, who has made many statements about how Black women have supported her, and has made it clear that she will not tolerate our disrespect. Caitlin is not too young to speak up regularly. Folks will infantilize Caitlin and then act like Angel is an adult who should be able to handle all the hate being thrown at her. How is Caitlyn too young to take some onus while Angel is too old to be hurt when grown men are sending her death threats?

It is simply a microcosm of the real world where white women are treated like delicate damsels and Black women like villains to be disposed of. We are not standing for it. Protect Angel. She does not deserve how she’s being treated and the WNBA needs to do more than launch a weak “NO HATE” campaign.

Silence is complicity. Even 5 year olds can understand that “if someone is doing something that is not okay, say something.” Caitlin’s fan base has brought THE WORST ENERGY to the WNBA, and I’ve been watching the league since it’s started. They are using fandom to her as a bridge and excuse vocal klansmen and I do not use that lightly. I’ve seen some of what they’ve said about Angel online and it is cruel, and violent and “racist” doesn’t even capture it. And then during the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game this last Saturday, they made monkey sounds at Angel.

This should not be happening. And a lot of it happens on Caitlin’s behalf so it should be her duty to SHUT. IT. DOWN. LOUDLY. OFTEN.

Let me be clear: this isn’t just about two players. This is about how systems protect some while punishing others. This is about the WNBA needing to get serious about its “No Space for Hate” campaign and showing up for the players they claim to value.

Black women BUILT the WNBA. Underpaid. Overworked. Underappreciated. The LEAST the League can do is protect us.

Do something tangible. Make it real. Prioritize the safety of your players the same way you promote the game.

I’ve been a courtside season ticket holder for the Chicago Sky for 4 years. I’m gonna be yelling affirmations at Angel Reese this season.

She deserves to know she is loved. Cuz we gon PROTECT OUR NIECE AT ALL COSTS. 🗣🗣🗣

WNBA, enough is enough.