WNBA Media Criticized for 'Glazing' Star Players, Calls for Honest Reporting

Commentator Rachel DeMita argues the overly positive coverage of women's basketball is hurting the league's long-term future

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA game or match, with overlapping planes of color and movement, conceptually representing the complex challenges facing the league and the need for balanced media coverage.As the WNBA navigates a critical moment, the media's honest, nuanced coverage could be the key to the league's long-term survival and growth.Chicago Today

The WNBA is facing a critical moment, with labor negotiations and the rise of alternative leagues like Unrivaled creating uncertainty around the league's future. Commentator Rachel DeMita believes the media's 'glazing' of women's basketball, or overly positive and uncritical coverage, is part of the problem. She argues the industry needs to start 'living in reality' and reporting honestly on the challenges facing the WNBA and its players.

Why it matters

The way the media covers the WNBA could have a major impact on the league's survival and growth. DeMita warns that if the WNBA doesn't have a season, fans won't flock to alternative leagues like Unrivaled. She believes honest reporting that acknowledges the league's struggles serves the sport better in the long run, rather than defaulting to constant praise.

The details

DeMita takes aim at the media's tendency to gloss over challenges and overstate successes when covering women's basketball. She points to Unrivaled, the three-on-three league founded by WNBA stars, as an example, questioning claims about its sustainability amid a 16% drop in viewership for its 2026 season opener. DeMita argues the innovative format may not have broad appeal compared to traditional high-level basketball.

  • The WNBA and Players' Union are currently in negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with the threat of a lockout or strike looming.
  • Unrivaled, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, just kicked off its second season in Miami and is expanding to Philadelphia later this month.

The players

Rachel DeMita

An online commentator known for her candid takes on women's basketball.

Breanna Stewart

A WNBA star who co-founded the alternative league Unrivaled.

Napheesa Collier

A WNBA star who co-founded the alternative league Unrivaled.

Candace Parker

A WNBA analyst praised by DeMita for her candid player evaluations.

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What they’re saying

“If the WNBA doesn't have a season, people aren't going to flock to Unrivaled or Project B. We need to start living in reality and report honestly on women's basketball.”

— Rachel DeMita, Online Commentator

“It was created to keep players from going overseas in the offseason, not to become a ratings juggernaut.”

— Rachel DeMita, Online Commentator

“Honest reporting serves everyone better in the long run.”

— Rachel DeMita, Online Commentator

What’s next

The WNBA and Players' Union are continuing negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with the threat of a lockout or strike still looming.

The takeaway

DeMita's critique highlights the need for the media to strike a more balanced approach when covering women's basketball. While celebrating the league's successes, it's also important to acknowledge the challenges it faces in order to have a nuanced conversation that serves the sport's long-term future.