In the world of professional basketball, where spotlight and media coverage often determine the trajectory of careers, the recent decision to give the Indiana Fever the most televised games of the 2025 WNBA season has raised eyebrows—and not just among fans. WNBA players are voicing their discontent, with many questioning the league’s choice to spotlight a team that has struggled to find success in recent years.

The Indiana Fever, who have finished near the bottom of the standings in recent seasons, have been granted the highest number of televised appearances for the upcoming season, drawing the ire of both players and fans alike. For a league that prides itself on growth and visibility, some see this as a missed opportunity to highlight teams with stronger rosters, playoff potential, and a higher competitive profile.

A Discontented Player Base

“Frankly, it’s frustrating,” says one anonymous WNBA player. “As a league, we want to showcase the best talent we have. Why are we focusing so much on a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in years? It doesn’t feel like it’s about performance anymore; it’s about something else.”

Several players have taken to social media to express their opinions, with many using the hashtag #DeserveBetter. Players argue that the league should prioritize teams that have shown consistent performance, highlighting high-caliber players and championship contenders instead of a team that is rebuilding.

“The Fever are in a transition phase, and I get that they’re trying to build a story around that, but at the end of the day, the WNBA should be about showcasing the best competition,” said one player who requested anonymity. “It’s frustrating that we don’t have the same exposure.”

Media Attention and Fan Engagement

The decision to air more Indiana Fever games has also sparked a debate about what drives television viewership. Fans have voiced confusion and frustration about the decision, especially considering teams with star players, such as the Las Vegas Aces or the Seattle Storm, aren’t getting as much televised airtime.

“Why would you put a team that’s at the bottom of the standings on TV more than the teams at the top? It’s hard to get excited about watching a losing team over and over,” says Chris Williams, a longtime WNBA fan. “It feels like they’re trying to make a story where there isn’t one.”

While it’s clear the Fever are in a rebuilding phase, some see this as a missed opportunity to capture more of the fanbase’s interest by putting high-performance teams in the spotlight. Others argue that broadcasting games from struggling teams like the Fever could help build a long-term narrative around their future, but the question remains—will it be enough to bring in new fans?

A League in Transition

The WNBA, much like many other professional sports leagues, is grappling with balancing media coverage, competitive integrity, and fan engagement. In a league with a relatively small market compared to its male counterparts, the WNBA often has to make decisions about media rights and exposure that have a ripple effect on how teams are perceived.

“Of course, every team deserves attention, but the league has to think about what is actually going to draw viewers in,” said a WNBA executive. “We want to keep growing the sport, but we also want to make sure we’re putting our best foot forward on TV.”

The Fever’s media push could, in theory, help build a narrative that attracts viewers to see how the team grows and develops over the course of the season. However, as of now, that storyline seems like a gamble—one that not everyone in the WNBA community is willing to bet on.

The Bigger Picture

At the heart of this debate is a larger issue—the continued push for visibility and financial support for the WNBA. The league has made strides in recent years, securing more sponsorships and media deals, but the competition for fans’ attention remains fierce. Every decision, from game broadcasts to endorsement deals, has a significant impact on the players and their ability to grow the game.

For now, players and fans alike will have to wait and see how this new broadcasting strategy plays out. Will the Fever rise to the occasion and prove their worth on national television? Or will this be another misstep in the long journey toward greater visibility for the league?

One thing’s for certain: The conversation around televised games in the WNBA is far from over. Whether it’s the Fever or another team next year, the players will continue to demand the respect they feel they deserve. And the fans? Well, they’ll be watching closely.