The WNBA, like any major professional sports league, has its ups and downs in terms of media coverage, fan engagement, and overall public perception. But recently, it seems like the league has hit a new low in how it’s being covered. And it’s not just a dip in ratings or the usual critiques of the league’s marketing efforts. No, this is something far more alarming—the media’s handling of the WNBA has crossed a line, and it’s doing real damage to how the league and its athletes are perceived.

The Disrespect and Dehumanization of Players

One of the biggest problems with the media’s current approach to covering the WNBA is the persistent trend of dehumanizing the players. The coverage, or lack thereof, often reduces female athletes to mere spectacle or, at worst, caricatures of their male counterparts. Whether it’s trivializing their on-court achievements or focusing excessively on their personal lives, the WNBA is constantly subjected to a level of scrutiny and disrespect that men’s leagues rarely face.

Take, for instance, how often the media focuses on players’ appearances or off-the-court drama rather than their on-court skills and athleticism. In the past few months, we’ve seen a slew of stories that prioritize personal feuds, relationship gossip, or even speculative narratives about player “beefs” instead of the actual game. Why does the media feel the need to package these athletes as something to gossip about rather than celebrate them for their talent and achievements?

Players like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson are extraordinary athletes, but the media often seems more interested in their social media presence or love lives rather than their ability to score, defend, and lead their teams. This misplaced focus diminishes their athleticism and turns them into objects of fascination rather than respected professionals.

Sensationalism Over Substance

We get it: drama sells. But when the WNBA media resorts to sensationalism at the expense of legitimate, substantive coverage, it reflects a larger problem—one that doesn’t just affect the league but also the perception of women’s sports in general. Whether it’s misrepresenting a player’s comments in a headline or fabricating controversies for clicks, the media is often more interested in creating buzz around negative stories rather than showcasing the true value of the league.

Take the “feuds” between players that are often amplified by the media. Sure, rivalries are part of sports, but when these rivalries are blown out of proportion and turned into tabloid fodder, it does more harm than good. The “catfights” narrative has no place in sports journalism, yet it continues to crop up whenever a disagreement between players is misinterpreted or exaggerated. This type of coverage is toxic and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about female athletes—stereotypes that are rarely, if ever, applied to men.

The Lack of Positive Coverage and Visibility

Another area where the WNBA media falls short is in the consistent failure to provide positive, in-depth coverage. The league’s stars deserve better, yet we rarely see the kind of expansive, long-form journalism dedicated to female athletes that we see in men’s sports. Why is it that when a male athlete does something incredible, it’s covered in depth, analyzed from every angle, and given the attention it deserves? But when a WNBA player does the same thing, it’s often buried in the back pages or relegated to brief highlight reels?

When players like Diana Taurasi or Sue Bird make history, why is it that the media doesn’t make a bigger deal out of it? These athletes are legends in their own right, and they’ve achieved things that should be celebrated across the sports world. But the media seems content with giving them a short mention or a “feel-good” feature that’s quickly forgotten. This lack of meaningful, in-depth coverage deprives the league of the visibility and respect it deserves.

Instead, the WNBA is constantly fighting for attention amidst a sea of major headlines about men’s sports. Even when a WNBA game is played at the highest level, it often goes under the radar, overshadowed by stories from the NBA or even NFL news, regardless of the significance of the matchup.

Disrespectful and Inaccurate Commentary

Then there’s the issue of commentary and analysis. It’s common to hear media personalities downplay the skill and talent of WNBA players, often citing outdated and offensive narratives about women’s sports. A frequent refrain in these discussions is the idea that women’s basketball isn’t as “exciting” or “competitive” as men’s basketball, and therefore doesn’t deserve the same level of attention. These comments, often made by people who clearly don’t follow the league closely, only serve to perpetuate the idea that women’s sports are somehow inferior.

The WNBA has produced some of the most talented, dynamic players in basketball history, and yet the media refuses to give them the respect they deserve. Whether it’s underestimating their skills, mocking their playing styles, or simply ignoring them altogether, these kinds of comments are not only disrespectful but also damaging to the league’s growth.

And let’s be clear: the media’s lack of respect isn’t just in their coverage—it’s in the way they talk about women’s basketball. Imagine the outrage if an NBA player were criticized as “too soft” or “not as aggressive” in the same way that female players routinely are. The constant undermining of their game only serves to cement the idea that women’s basketball is somehow less worthy of serious attention.

A Call for Change

So, why is the media’s treatment of the WNBA at a new low? It’s because the media continues to focus on everything but what matters: the incredible talent, the hard work, and the skill of the athletes themselves. For every headline about a minor feud or a personal drama, there should be ten more about incredible performances, historic moments, and players who are redefining the game.

The WNBA deserves the same level of respect, visibility, and in-depth coverage that the NBA, NFL, or MLB receives. It deserves journalists and commentators who recognize the quality of the game, the brilliance of the athletes, and the unique value that women’s basketball brings to the table.

This isn’t just about the players; it’s about the way the media shapes perceptions. And right now, the WNBA is getting shortchanged. The media has a responsibility to uplift and celebrate women’s sports—not exploit them for clicks or run sensational headlines at the expense of the athletes. If the media truly wants to see the WNBA thrive, it needs to step up and give it the coverage it deserves—coverage that respects the athletes, their achievements, and the game itself.

Until then, the media’s treatment of the WNBA will continue to hit new lows, and the league will be left struggling for the recognition and respect it’s always deserved.