Erica Wheeler Demands ‘Attention’ to Lack of Black Coaches in WNBA amid NY Liberty Hiring Ex-Warriors Coach

On social media, Erica Wheeler is fond of posting messages that uplift the spirit. However, in one particular tweet, the Seattle Storm guard drew attention to a fact about the WNBA that she isn’t pleased with.

Over the weekend, Wheeler retweeted a post by USA Today reporter Meghan L. Hall. In Hall’s tweet, she emphasized the lack of Black head coaches in the WNBA today.

“A shift in the WNBA. In 2022, 6 black head coaches. In 2026, 2 black head coaches, 0 black women,” Hall tweeted. “There’s been progress — 7/15 are women, including 2 of color — but for a league that’s 60%+ black, does raise questions about why coaching hires don’t better reflect that.”

Wheeler shared Hall’s post with a caption that was either a typographical error or an attempt to make a play on words.

“Play attention,” Wheeler wrote in her caption.

Wheeler’s tweet comes a day after the New York Liberty hired Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their new head coach.

Currently, the two Black head coaches in the WNBA are Tyler Marsh of the Chicago Sky and Sydney Johnson of the Washington Mystics. Both men have spent just a single season with their current teams.

The arrival of two expansion teams presented an opportunity for more Black head coaches to take the helm of a WNBA squad. However, the Toronto Tempo proceeded to hire Sandy Brondello after she was dismissed by the New York Liberty; and the Portland Fire decided to name Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Alex Sarama as their inaugural head coach.

Certainly, credentials (such as Brondello’s multi-titled WNBA resume) play a huge part in coaching hires. But, from the looks of it, Wheeler is convinced that the WNBA needs to do a better job of hiring more Black head coaches.

“I had to see Hannah Hidalgo in person”: Viral clip shows Erica Wheeler showing support to Notre Dame star

On Friday, Wheeler honored her college roots while also showing love to her alma mater’s current star player.

Along with Skylar Diggins and Kahleah Copper, the Storm guard was in attendance at the Notre Dame-USC game this past Friday. On social media, Wheeler made it clear that she was keenly watching the face of the Fighting Irish.

“I had to see @HannahHidalgo in person!” Wheeler tweeted.

Hidalgo, who is two years away from being WNBA draft-eligible, finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists as Notre Dame defeated USC 61-59 in a thrilling affair.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado