ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike says weaponized WNBA discourse is overshadowing ‘the beauty of the game’
ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike released a message on Thursday, urging everyone responsible for the growth of women’s basketball and women’s sports to remember that voices and words in the space influence stories.
This isn’t the first time Chiney has spoken out in recent days. On June 3, she gave a tearful and passionate update on the WNBA amidst some seriously wild Caitlin Clark-Chennedy Carter discourse.
Chiney is once again seemingly addressing sports fans, media and any newcomers to remember that we are all responsible for the growth of women’s sports. Here’s what she shared on social media:
“We’re all witnessing this unprecedented moment of change…that transformational change that can close the gap of equity, of opportunity, of how we see one another through the lens of sports.
“But here’s the problem. Women’s sports are right now being subjected to some of the most polarizing aspects of society. The discourse is operating at the intersection of race, of gender; it’s even being weaponized by politics.”
“The endless debates are overshadowing the beauty of the game…which is why I hope that everyone sees that the dialogue surrounding women’s sports has to change. Why? Because words influence perception. Words can transform a league that existed for 28 years and elevate it to the next level…”
“Now, how do we do that? By not only creating spaces for the right voices but by also being willing to listen to what those voices have to say…I do think we need a moment of reset — a moment to catch our breath and listen…”
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) June 13, 2024