The fallout over media criticism of WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has taken another sharp turn, with reports surfacing that three women, including Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, have been removed from WNBA TV broadcasting roles for the remainder of the 2025 season.
While no official statement has yet been released by the league, multiple industry insiders confirmed that Swoopes and two other unnamed analysts have been quietly let go or benched following what some sources describe as “a sustained pattern of public misinformation and tone-deaf commentary regarding Clark.”
Sheryl Swoopes, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, has been an outspoken and often skeptical voice regarding Clark’s historic rise. While acknowledging the former Iowa star’s talent, Swoopes repeatedly questioned the media narrative surrounding Clark—particularly after she was named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. During a recent panel discussion on Gil’s Arena, she asked what the criteria were for the honor and listed other athletes she believed were more deserving.
“I’m not surprised,” Swoopes said at the time. “But I’m curious who the other candidates were. I mean, you could put A’ja Wilson in there, Simone Biles, LeBron James…”
Critics argue that Swoopes’ repeated focus on downplaying Clark’s impact—despite Clark averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and breaking multiple WNBA rookie records—crossed a line from healthy debate into persistent undermining. Others defended Swoopes, pointing out she was voicing legitimate questions about media hype versus performance.
The situation escalated earlier this year when Swoopes erroneously claimed Clark’s all-time NCAA scoring record was due to an extra COVID-eligibility season, which Clark did not use. That misstep reportedly strained Swoopes’ relationship with fellow legend Nancy Lieberman, who later told media: “You can have your opinion, but get the stats right.”
While WNBA viewership has soared in 2025—thanks largely to Clark’s fan draw and her rivalry with players like Angel Reese—the league has struggled to balance fair media analysis with the tone of its commentary. Fans and media watchdogs have noted that much of the criticism directed at Clark often feels personal or agenda-driven.
Now, with the reported firing of Swoopes and two others, the league seems to be drawing a firm line. Whether the decision was made directly by WNBA leadership or by the networks themselves remains unclear.
In a season defined by both record-breaking viewership and culture war flashpoints, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark’s impact has reshaped not only the league’s audience but also how broadcasters navigate the rapidly changing world of women’s sports commentary.
