Basketball
Why the WNBA Keeps Creating PR Nightmares
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Episode Notes
The discourse around Caitlin Clark has once again reached a fever pitch – and the WNBA doesn’t seem to be learning from the lessons of the past in its handling of it all. In this nuanced and wide-ranging conversation, Zena, Annie, and Sabreena dissect the different takes swirling around the internet regarding the aftermath of last week’s physical game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury, including Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul and suspension. What role should league officials play in getting rid of the toxic discourse that pervades social media? How can the league regain trust with fans? And how can fans and the media alike find the fun again?
Also, the crew digs into the 4-OT thriller between the Mystics and the Fire, Marina Mabrey’s 53-point night, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.
Plus: a Commissioner’s Cup Preview. Will the Aces or the Liberty take the crown?
References:
https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/wnba/caitlin-clark-foul-alyssa-thomas-wnba-cathy-engelbert
https://www.laprogressive.com/racism/caitlin-clark-problem
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"Why the WNBA Keeps Creating PR Nightmares" is an episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show. Runtime 1 hr 15 min. Published June 30, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
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Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- June 30, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 1 hr 15 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show covers basketball. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
