Elle Duncan says WNBA coverage has become ‘toxic as hell’ as culture wars overshadow the game

The broadcaster urged fans to keep supporting players rather than abandoning the league amid divisive commentary.

Elle Duncan is tired of the culture wars surrounding the WNBA, and she wants fans who love the league to stick around despite the noise.

During a conversation at the Front Office Sports Tuned In Summit on Tuesday, Oct. 13, the broadcaster doubled down on her assessment that covering the WNBA has become “toxic as hell,” arguing that divisive commentary has overshadowed what makes women’s basketball special.

“The reason it’s toxic is because you love it so much, because there are so many incredible things about it,” Duncan said. “And to have it deduced to a culture war is disgusting, and it sucks.”

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Duncan said she initially believed the controversy would eventually subside, but the divisiveness has persisted. She argued that people who dominate the conversation often aren’t genuine fans, but instead use the league as an opportunity to inflame political and cultural tensions.

Her concerns reflect a broader conversation about the WNBA’s growing popularity and the scrutiny that has accompanied it. In July, the Associated Press reported that debates over race, gender and sexuality were intensifying alongside record levels of attention, investment and player recognition. The AP report highlighted tensions involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and criticism of league leadership over player protection.

The controversy has extended beyond online arguments. In May 2025, ESPN reported that the WNBA was investigating allegations of hateful comments directed at Reese during a game against the Fever. Clark publicly condemned hateful behavior, saying, “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society.”

For Duncan, the answer is not to walk away. She urged fans to limit their exposure to toxic social media exchanges while continuing to attend games, watch broadcasts and purchase players’ merchandise.

“You do not throw your hands up and go, ‘Well, never mind. It’s too toxic, and I can’t deal with it,’” she said.

“The only way through this is through this,” Duncan added, encouraging supporters to remain committed to the league and its players rather than allowing divisive voices to dictate the conversation.