The increased attention Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese have brought to WNBA hasnt been all positive

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said she’s incredibly drained professionally after the increased misogyny and racism within the WNBA during the 2024 season.During an appearance on the “Good Game with Sarah Spain” podcast Monday, Reeve addressed the recent uptick in “vitriol” and “toxicity” around the WNBA since the league saw a meteoric rise in viewership and attendance after the arrival of 2024 rookie class, highlighted by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.“It’s unacceptable and our players deserve better,” Reeve said.

“I’m so proud of the players in the WNBA, the strength of their collective voices, they understand it.And I hope this is all going to calm down.

I’m not sure.“You know, because while diversifying your fan base is a great thing.

I think that the fan base has been diversified in a way that is going to challenge us.And I think that, you know, what lies ahead, who speaks out and who utilizes their voices in this time is going to be really, really impactful in how this whole entire league moves forward.”Reeve explained that it’s “disheartening” to see that negativity around the WNBA.

“[The] WNBA — I don’t want to say a safe space — but [the] WNBA was a space that we all felt like we could be ourselves.We were making great progress towards creating change for society larger, as a whole, right? “… And so to have this vitriol, this toxicity, it’s a reminder.

For example, [diversity, equity, and inclusion] coming out of [the murder of] George Floyd was one of the most amazing things.And I thought something that really was going to move corporate America forward, sports forward, opportunities.

“And look how fast all of that has been undone and people standing proudly doing so.It’s disheartening, and what I have tried to do, it’s been an incredible summer.

It’s been incredibly difficult, incredibly draining professionally.And then now to add that personally, ...