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Jemele Hill Defends WNBA's Media Coverage Amid Growing Criticism
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Jemele Hill Defends WNBA's Media Coverage Amid Growing Criticism

Originally posted on The Spun  |  By Andrew Holleran  |  Last updated Aug 17, 2026 7:53 PM ET
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Longtime NBA reporter Ric Bucher is calling out WNBA media, particularly networks like ESPN and NBC, that have all-female studio shows that cover the league.

Bucher, a longtime NBA and sports reporter, feels that WNBA media is too much of a "girls club" that doesn't want to criticize the league, especially in today's age, when the league is facing a lot of scrutiny online.

“I consider it an insult to women’s basketball in general — and the WNBA, in particular — that anyone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about would be given a platform to give an opinion on it,” Bucher said. “But this is part and parcel to the problem with the WNBA. It is not treated with respect by those that are closest to it. Not by the NBA, which owns and shadow runs it. Not by the media that covers it. And, unfortunately, not always by the coaches and the players who compete in it.”

Bucher is wondering why the WNBA's studio shows are all women.

“Why are all the color analysts and studio hosts women?” Bucher mused. “Women have served in a variety of positions on national NBA broadcasts. Why shouldn’t there be diversity on national WNBA broadcasts? What are the networks afraid of?”

Bucher believes change is needed.

“The only males you will find on a national broadcast now are young, up-and-comers doing play-by-play. Is the WNBA not worthy of being discussed and dissected by a variety of voices and perspectives in the same way the NBA is? There are some smart, basketball-savvy women, both in the studio and the broadcast booth, but I don’t hear a whole lot of differing opinion or debate.

“It all comes off as safe and monotone and cookie cutter, especially when it comes to controversial topics. DiJonai took Sophie Cunningham’s head off, and the broadcasters were debating whether it would be elevated to a Flagrant 2. They sounded afraid to say it, even after multiple replays showed DiJonai made no attempt to make a play on the ball. The studio analysts were no better.

“All of it feels like a girls’ club. The media protecting the league from real scrutiny or critique. I’ll ask again: What are they afraid of? Players can’t take it? That critiquing a woman in public is no way to treat one?”

Jemele Hill defends the coverage

Jemele Hill, though, is clapping back, defending the coverage.

"Latest stats: — 83 percent of sports editors are white men — 75 percent of assistant sports editors are white men — 82 percent of columnists are white men — 67 percent of sports anchors are white men — 68 percent of sports analysts are white men — 65 percent of sports producers are white men," she wrote on X.

"C’mon, Ric. This is deeply unserious."

Hill also takes issue with the idea that more men are needed.

"Your data is correct but his point remains. The W has no pushback or criticism on its own air waves. No real conversations," one fan argued.

Hill responded: "So only men can provide that?"

Is Hill right or does the WNBA media need to change?

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

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