Racism and Sexism Target Women’s Basketball Amid Historic Growth

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The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is facing a troubling surge in racist and sexist attacks against its players, coinciding with a record-breaking season for attendance and viewership. The popularity of the league has been bolstered by rising stars, such as Caitlin Clark, but this success has also drawn negative attention.

Recent instances of harassment came to light during the playoff series between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever, where Sun guard DiJonai Carrington publicly shared an anonymous email containing threats of sexual assault and death. In response, the WNBA condemned these hateful comments and affirmed its support for the affected players.

While the league enjoys a growing fanbase, several athletes, particularly those who are Black and part of the LGBTQ+ community, have reported an alarming increase in abusive comments on social media platforms. Caitlin Clark and her coach condemned the “racist rhetoric” increasingly directed at female athletes, with Clark stating that those who resort to insults are not true fans but rather internet trolls.

This pattern of harassment is not new to women in sports, as female athletes often become targets for backlash in a highly polarized cultural environment. Coach Stephanie White expressed deep concern over the extent of racism, sexism, and homophobia that athletes face, asserting that it is unacceptable.

The ongoing harassment has raised urgent concerns about mental health among players, leading some to deactivate their social media accounts. The WNBA has yet to announce concrete measures to protect its athletes and foster a supportive environment despite the league's ambitions for growth.

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