Political Breakdown
The WNBA Has a Politics Problem
The WNBA has become a battleground for left versus right fighting, sparking culture wars over race, gender and sexual orientation.
TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 18: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever stands for the Canadian national anthem ahead of an WNBA against the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena on August 18, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tara Walton/Getty Images)
American sports have always been political. But it seems like now more than ever, the WNBA has become a hyperfixation for the right wing. Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark have emerged as avatars for Conservatives, while the White House seems intent on stoking the flames of the culture wars that have erupted over race, gender and sexual orientation.
Marisa sits down with Howard Bryant, sports correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, to talk about the latest dustups, who’s to blame and whether it’s on the athletes to push back.
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