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ESPN Analyst Apologizes For Remarks About WNBA Racism

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 28, 2025 2:15 PM ET

When the WNBA launched an investigation into alleged racist fan behavior at the Fever-Sky game on May 17, ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike jumped the gun with her remarks.

Ogwumike, a former WNBA All-Star, joined ESPN in May 2018. Two years later, she became the first Black woman to host a national radio show. She often appears on "SportsCenter" and "Get Up" to provide analysis on the NBA and WNBA.

Although her commentary on the WNBA is usually spot-on, Ogwumike may have missed the mark with her reporting on May 20. She said players and coaches on the Sky heard things from Indiana fans that were "out of bounds." The WNBA's investigation, however, doesn't seem to support that claim.

Ogwumike also said, "If you're truly a basketball fan, you would understand and agree that we have no space for those types of comments."

Fast forward to this week, and Ogwumike has issued an apology for what she said about racism in the WNBA.

Well, sort of.

Ogwumike released a video on X where she owned up to her previous comments. She told WNBA fans that she'll be better moving forward.

"I am sorry that my message was in the heat of the moment, because when I initially spoke on the topic, it really came from a place of care. It was based on firsthand conversations with people very close to the situation who raised real concerns. And they told me what they had experienced. And I felt like it was important and it was necessary to acknowledge those allegations and also voice those experiences," Ogwumike said.

"Now in the process, however, I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend. I am sorry. I am also happy that the WNBA treated the matter with the utmost seriousness, followed through with the investigation. And I understand that having a platform comes with a responsibility, and I do not take that lightly. So as our league continues to grow, I am going to grow with it. And I am so committed to be better about how I share perspectives and grow alongside the game that I truly love and adore."

Some fans have said they want Ogwumike disciplined by ESPN. Whether or not that'll happen is unclear.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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