Netflix sports anchor Elle Duncan has criticised the fanbase around WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for turning the league into a battleground for culture wars rather than a space focused on basketball. Speaking with Front Office Sports, Duncan described the environment as “toxic,” blaming certain factions for politicising the league at the expense of the players and the sport.
Duncan said the WNBA community is unique and special, but it has been overshadowed by divisive debates. “It’s toxic as h***. Have y’all ever been in a toxic relationship? Then you know,” she said. “The reason it’s toxic is because you love it so much, because there are so many incredible things about it. Because there is this community that truly doesn’t exist anywhere else, and you know how special it is. To have it reduced to a culture war is disgusting, and it sucks.”
Duncan pointed out that the controversy has dragged on for years and shown no sign of easing. “It sucks because it’s not getting any better. It sucks because we thought three years ago, when this started, it would die down, they would see themselves out, it would regulate, and we are still here,” she said. “That’s why it’s toxic. It’s toxic because you cannot say anything without p****** off one faction of the population. You can’t praise one person without p****** off the other faction of the population.”
She added that much of the discussion around the WNBA now comes from people who are not true fans. “It’s a disingenuous space – the people that are talking about the most are not fans and don’t care. They are literally there as opportunists, to be divisive. It’s working, and that’s why it’s toxic, because I love it and hate it all at the same time.”
While Duncan did not name Cunningham directly, the context makes it clear she was referring to the player. Earlier this year, Cunningham attracted widespread attention after expressing opinions on the participation of trans athletes in women’s sports. Her stance made her a figurehead for conservative media outlets, drawing focus away from basketball and onto cultural debates.
Cunningham’s influence on the conversation has even reached political levels. Former US President Donald Trump recently mentioned her in remarks praising her, though he appeared to downplay her basketball skills in the process. Trump said Cunningham could help WNBA teams because she is “beautiful” and “young,” comments that sparked a mixed response among fans and observers.
The controversy around Cunningham has eclipsed much of the league’s on-court action, frustrating those who want the WNBA to be celebrated for its sport rather than become a battleground for social and political issues. Duncan’s remarks underline the extent to which the debate has divided the WNBA’s audience and complicated coverage of the league.
The WNBA has grown significantly in recent years but remains a focal point for broader cultural conflicts, with Cunningham’s fanbase often cited as a flashpoint. Duncan’s comments highlight how sports media figures are grappling with covering the league amid these tensions.
According to Yahoo Sports.
