Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. soccer icon, criticizes traditional WNBA media for lacking sensitivity, labeling them as inherently sexist, racist, and misogynistic. Her comments follow questions directed at Azzi Fudd about her relationship with teammate Paige Bueckers.
Questions Shut Down After Draft
Azzi Fudd joins the Dallas Wings as the No. 1 overall draft pick this month, teaming up with girlfriend Paige Bueckers, a top selection from last year. The Wings’ media team quickly halts inquiries into their off-court romance, prompting Rapinoe’s strong response.
Podcast Critique and Call for Diversity
Rapinoe shares her views on the latest episode of her podcast A Touch More, now hosted solo after her recent separation from Sue Bird. She argues that established media operates without the necessary understanding.
“I do think we are watching legacy or establishment media come in and sort of like do business as usual and it just feels like it needs more understanding and nuance,” Rapinoe states. “Like, it’s not quite hitting. I think anybody who’s been in the sport a long time just sort of has that feeling of like that’s like, I get why you’re doing that. You do that with men’s sports, but like it’s not really quite hitting here.”
She emphasizes hiring reporters attuned to Black and queer culture to better represent the league’s foundations in equality and progress.
Protecting Player Authenticity
Rapinoe questions how stakeholders can safeguard the WNBA’s unique ecosystem.
“How do we collectively protect and craft the future of this space as the people who care about what the WNBA has built and enjoy the culture that it brings? Because, let’s be honest, the reason why the WNBA is out front in culture is because of how rooted it is in Black and queer culture and around equality for women and progress in all of those realms.”
The 14-year veteran advocates for specialized PR teams that design media platforms suited to players’ needs, fostering safe spaces for openness.
She calls for a new wave of reporters to develop “talking points that protect” athletes while enabling them to “be out and proud and not make them feel unsafe.”
Recent Personal Split
Rapinoe’s remarks coincide with her announcement of parting ways with Sue Bird after nearly a decade together. The couple, both Olympic gold medalists, met at a 2016 Rio Olympics photoshoot and got engaged in 2020 but never married.
Their joint statement confirms the mutual decision:
“There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news. After a lot of thought, we’ve made the decision to separate as a couple. This hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s one we’ve made together, with so much love, respect, and care for each other. We’ve shared a whole life over the last decade, through big moments and in quiet ones, and that is something we’ll always carry with us.”
