The WNBA is currently in the spotlight as players push for better salaries and conditions, demonstrated notably during the July 19 All-Star Game in Indianapolis, Indiana. This high-profile event featured players warming up wearing shirts that read
“Pay Us What You Owe Us,”
a clear message aimed at the league regarding ongoing negotiations for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, expected before the 2026 season. Alongside financial concerns, Brittney Griner, a prominent WNBA star, has voiced serious concerns about how some fans behave during games, urging the league to take stronger action against personal attacks.
Griner Calls Out Personal Attacks from Fans as a Barrier to Progress
Speaking on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday Podcast on July 18, Griner addressed the uncomfortable and hostile experiences players face during games. She didn’t shy away from describing these interactions as more than typical fan banter.
“There’s times in games where I’ve talked with some of my fellow people that play in the league, and there’s certain places where it’s like, ‘What’s going on here?’ This ain’t even banter,”
she said. Griner emphasized that the negativity is personal and harmful:
“You not even going against me as a fan, you going against me on a personal level. These are attacks.”
She also condemned the use of slurs during games, stating,
“The slurs that are said in certain gyms are stuff, around the league, there’s just no place for it.”
Proposed Solutions to Combat Toxic Fan Behavior in the WNBA
Griner suggested that the league should implement measures to monitor and control fan conduct more effectively. She proposed placing dedicated staff members in the stands whose role would be to listen carefully to fan interactions. These workers could identify and remove individuals whose comments cross the line into personal attacks or abusive language. Although Griner did not single out any specific fan groups, her remarks underscored the urgent need for the WNBA to foster a safer and more respectful environment. Addressing this issue is critical not only for the welfare of players but also for the league’s ongoing efforts to elevate women’s basketball and attract broader support.
As the WNBA continues to strive for growth and greater respect on multiple fronts—including financial fairness and social inclusivity—Griner’s call to halt fan misconduct highlights the continuing challenges the league faces. Taking concrete steps against personal attacks during games could significantly improve player experience and enhance the league’s reputation moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a child?
A. In July, Griner announced that she and her wife had their first child together. Before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Phoenix Mercury player shared with CBS Sports that their baby was born on July 8. Griner expressed her happiness by saying, “That’s my man.”
Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a baby?
A. Brittney Griner, who has won two Olympic gold medals, and her wife Cherelle Griner, have announced the birth of their first child. In an interview with We Need to Talk, Griner joyfully shared that their son was born on July 8, 2024.