WNBA Faces Media Loyalty Test After 14 Credential Denials and 'Tone' Screening

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 25

Atlanta Dream said it denied 14 credential applications for an Aug. 5 game and weighed "the tone of coverage," sharpening criticism that WNBA access decisions reward favorable reporting over independent scrutiny.
Sarah Spain fueled that debate by urging the league to steer players toward "real media" outlets they trust for fair coverage and brand building, even as she already enjoys broad league and player access.
Other teams cited similar filters: the Dallas Wings prioritized regular WNBA coverage, the Connecticut Sun favored "reputable media/wire services," the Las Vegas Aces leaned toward local regulars, and the Chicago Sky rejected a Fox News request.
The report argues the pattern extends beyond credentials, pointing to unnamed league sources telling Front Office Sports that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White were ineligible for the 2027 draft while tougher questions on standards went unanswered.
That criticism also reaches player and media reactions, including calls to strip Christine Brennan's access after a Caitlin Clark question and silence around Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender participation during All-Star weekend.