WNBA denounces toxic fan behavior during record-setting postseason

The GIST: Following two more higher-seed sweeps on Wednesday, the semis are set, but unfortunately, outstanding play and one legend’s possible swan song were eclipsed by serious off-court issues.

The context: Amid a season full of record WNBA attendance and viewership, there’s also been an increased amount of derogatory comments made about players’ race, gender identity, sexuality, and beyond.

• And a portion of this escalation comes from some problematic Indiana Fever fans. For some background, in June, Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark condemned the weaponization of her name for misogynist and racist causes.

• Later in the summer, the fanbase was under fire again after threatening Connecticut Sun star DiJonai Carrington following a tense interaction between the reigning Most Improved Player and Clark.

The latest: This week, as the No. 3 Sun swept the No. 6 Fever out of the playoffs, the discourse reached a tipping point. Before Wednesday’s Game 2, Carrington revealed she’d been sent death threats after another physical moment with Clark in Game 1.

• Following the Sun’s 87–81 Game 2 series-clinching win, Connecticut superstar Alyssa Thomas spoke to the media, explaining that over her 11-year career, she has never faced racial insults like the ones hurled at her by Fever fans this season. Despicable.

The WNBA’s response: After Thomas’ remarks, the WNBA released a statement, affirming that “derogatory or threatening comments” toward players will not be tolerated. Still, with more eyes on the league than ever, the time to address the negativity affecting players is past due.