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NEW YORK – WNBA players say the increasing popularity of the women’s basketball league has led to a rise in harassment, prompting the league’s veterans to urge officials to take a stand against racist and sexist abuse.
The arrival of college star Caitlin Clark in the WNBA this season helped boost viewership and attendance to record levels, solidifying the league’s position in mainstream U.S. sports culture, where racism and misogyny are still prevalent.
The issue has become more pronounced during the current WNBA playoffs.
“I am troubled by the new fans who shout racial slurs at me, my teammates, and our opponents,” said Brittney Griner after her Phoenix Mercury team was eliminated from the postseason by the Minnesota Lynx.
“I appreciate the new fans who show respect for the game and are committed to growing our league.”
Alyssa Thomas, a five-time All-Star with the Connecticut Sun, expressed shock at the abuse she faced from Indiana Fever fans during the playoffs, calling it unprecedented in her 11 years in the WNBA.
“It’s simply unacceptable,” Thomas stated after the Sun defeated Clark’s Fever in a best-of-three series. “There is no place for such behavior.”
The Sun will face the Lynx in the semi-finals.
Rookie of the Year Clark, who was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever, emphasized that no one should have to endure racist threats or hurtful comments.
“Those are not fans, those are trolls,” Clark said during her season “exit interview” with the media. “Continuing to showcase this league in a positive light is our best course of action.”
The WNBA released a statement condemning racist abuse by fans, asserting that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not stand for racist, derogatory, or threatening remarks,” the league declared in its statement. “League security is actively monitoring potential threats and will collaborate with teams and arenas to take appropriate actions, including involving law enforcement when necessary.”
Griner commended the league’s statement as long overdue.
“We all deserve to compete in a safe environment,” she told reporters. “I deserve to be here and play without the fear of racial or sexist comments.”
—Reuters
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