In what many fans are calling one of the most baffling and biased moments in recent sports media memory, ESPN’s latest WNBA player rankings have stirred outrage — and for good reason. Touted as an “expert” assessment of the top players heading into the 2025 WNBA season, the list has instead exposed an uncomfortable truth: favoritism, double standards, and a complete disregard for fairness.

The controversy hit fever pitch when fans noticed the glaring omissions and suspicious placements of several rising stars — particularly rookies like Angel Reese and even Caitlin Clark. While Clark has been one of the most celebrated athletes in college basketball history, her ranking fell surprisingly low, sparking confusion among her massive fan base. Even more shocking? Angel Reese, who dominated in college and is coming off a strong preseason, was either ranked unfairly low — or left off entirely.

To many, this wasn’t just an oversight — it was deliberate. How do “experts” justify ranking underperforming veterans ahead of players who are reshaping the very landscape of the sport?

This isn’t just about Reese or Clark. It’s about a system that often clings to legacy, personal biases, or outdated metrics instead of giving credit to players based on impact, growth, and actual performance. It’s a slap in the face to fans who’ve watched these young women break records, sell out arenas, and breathe new life into the WNBA.

Social media erupted within minutes of the rankings being released. Fans, journalists, and former players called out ESPN for what they described as “lazy,” “tone-deaf,” and “politically influenced” choices. The term “agenda” started trending alongside the rankings, with many believing the list was more about protecting old narratives than celebrating the game’s future.

Even players indirectly addressed the controversy. Reese tweeted a cryptic message shortly after the list dropped: “Numbers don’t lie. Y’all do.” Meanwhile, Clark stayed silent, letting her game — and her fan turnout — do the talking.

The bigger issue here is credibility. If ESPN and other outlets continue to undermine rising stars through subjective, biased rankings, they risk alienating the very fans who are helping the WNBA reach new heights.

The WNBA is evolving — fast. It’s time the media caught up.