Sheryl Swoopes Best Friend & Caitlin Clark Hater ALSO FIRED From ALL 2025 WNBA Games!
The 2024 WNBA season was nothing short of revolutionary. At the center of the storm stood Caitlin Clark, a rookie phenom whose arrival electrified the league and shattered viewership records. But as her star rose, so did the voices of criticism—most notably from veteran broadcasters and former players Cheryl Swoopes and Cindy Brunson. By the end of the year, both had been quietly removed from their positions, signaling a dramatic shift in the league’s approach to protecting its brightest talents.
It began with Cheryl Swoopes, a Hall of Famer and once-revered figure in women’s basketball. Swoopes, who had transitioned to broadcasting, became a vocal skeptic of Clark’s achievements. She frequently questioned the legitimacy of Clark’s collegiate scoring records, often comparing them unfavorably to her own era and dismissing Clark’s impact as overhyped. Her commentary, rather than offering constructive analysis, seemed intent on diminishing Clark’s accomplishments and fueling division among fans.
Then came Cindy Brunson, a prominent member of the Phoenix Mercury’s broadcast team and a close friend of Swoopes. Brunson’s commentary took on a personal edge as Clark’s popularity grew. She regularly downplayed Clark’s historic feats, pushed narratives of locker room drama within the Indiana Fever, and even targeted Clark’s former Iowa teammate, Monica Czinano, with mocking remarks. Brunson’s hostility extended beyond players to the influx of new fans Clark brought to the sport, treating them as outsiders rather than a boon for women’s basketball.
The backlash was swift and fierce. Fans flooded social media with criticism of Brunson and Swoopes, accusing them of fostering a toxic environment and undermining the league’s growth. The Mercury organization, recognizing the damage to their brand and the league’s image, took decisive action. Brunson was not merely reassigned or suspended—she was scrubbed from all 2025 broadcasts, a comprehensive removal that left no doubt about the seriousness of her actions. Swoopes faced a similar fate, removed from the Dallas Wings’ broadcast team and quietly erased from the WNBA’s “Queens of the Court” podcast.
These moves were not isolated incidents. Instead, they reflected a deliberate, league-wide strategy to address antagonistic commentary toward its rising stars. The timing was telling: the decisions came after the season’s end, following careful evaluation rather than knee-jerk reaction. The WNBA, facing unprecedented attention and opportunity, recognized that allowing broadcasters to tear down its most marketable player was not just unfair—it was bad business.
The league’s actions sent a clear message: criticism must be fair, accurate, and professional. Personal vendettas and attempts to manufacture drama at the expense of players and fans would no longer be tolerated. This was not about silencing dissent or protecting Clark from legitimate scrutiny; it was about raising the standard of professionalism and ensuring that the league’s public voices reflected its values.
The consequences of this housecleaning extend far beyond Brunson and Swoopes. Other broadcasters, seeing the writing on the wall, are likely reassessing their approach. The league’s commitment to promoting women’s basketball, combating toxicity, and embracing new fans marks a pivotal moment in its evolution.
As the WNBA prepares for the 2025 season, the message is unmistakable: the days of tearing down rising stars are over. Women’s basketball deserves better—and, at last, it’s getting it. With Clark leading a new generation of talent and the league taking bold steps to protect its future, the WNBA stands poised for unprecedented growth. The removal of toxic voices is not just a victory for Clark, but for every player, fan, and supporter who believes in the power and potential of women’s sports.