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Last week, a surprising storyline emerged from the WNBA—not from a game-winning shot or a last-second block, but from the press box, or rather, who wasn’t in it. Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer turned media figure, and right-leaning sports outlet OutKick claimed they were denied press credentials to cover two Atlanta Dream games. According to them, this was no scheduling conflict or clerical hiccup; this was an intentional shut-out. Why? Because they intended to cover what they believed was a racially charged exchange between WNBA star Brittney Griner and rookie phenom Caitlin Clark—an exchange for which, notably, there is no audio or confirmed evidence. Still, that didn’t stop a wildfire of outrage and finger-pointing from igniting faster than a ref’s whistle in overtime.
The WNBA responded in a way that was both routine and immediately suspicious to those convinced of conspiracy. There was limited press seating, and they prioritized outlets with a consistent track record of sports coverage. In other words, “Sorry, full house.” But OutKick, known for turning sports coverage into a political halftime show with fireworks, wasn’t having it. And Gaines, whose rise to media prominence has been largely fueled by her outspoken opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports, wasn’t exactly a neutral figure walking into the arena. The denial of press access was interpreted as a deliberate move to silence critical or alternative perspectives, especially those involving hot-button topics like race, gender identity, and media bias. Whether or not you believe in a targeted effort to muzzle certain voices, the optics were unmistakable—one side said “standard procedure,” the other shouted “censorship!” and probably threw a challenge flag just for good measure.
This saga reveals more than just a paperwork squabble. It shows how the press pass—once a simple laminated badge—is now a symbol of ideological access. Gaines and her team argue they were kept out because their brand doesn’t align with the league’s image or politics. The league, in contrast, is caught between trying to protect players from harassment and trying not to look like it’s playing favorites. It’s a tightrope: too exclusive, and they’re gatekeepers. Too inclusive, and every TikTok commentator with a WiFi signal and an opinion on pronouns is suddenly courtside, live-streaming halftime hot takes from their folding chair.
What’s also worth noting is the total lack of evidence surrounding the original accusation. Gaines claimed Griner had said something inflammatory to Clark, but no video, transcript, or live witness came forward to back that up. Still, the story spread—because in the modern media ecosystem, sometimes the accusation is the content. And once you’ve built a narrative around being silenced, even a politely worded “thanks but no thanks” becomes fuel for outrage. This leaves leagues like the WNBA in a lose-lose situation: let in every outlet, even those with a track record of antagonizing the league’s own values, or risk becoming the story themselves.
Meanwhile, Griner and Clark are probably far more focused on basketball than the latest trending hashtags. But this kerfuffle illustrates how covering women’s sports—finally rising in popularity—can be less about the pick-and-roll and more about the politics of press access. As media voices jockey for seats and athletes get drawn into drama they didn’t sign up for, one thing’s clear: politics isn’t just in the locker room anymore. It’s in the press queue, wearing a lanyard and asking for a quote.
Author Profile
- Tessa Winkleman is a dynamic scholar-athlete and aspiring sports law professional. Raised in Las Vegas before heading to Michigan (Go Blue!), she earned a Division I volleyball scholarship to St. Francis College in Brooklyn. After transferring to Hunter College, she led her team as MVP, earning numerous athletic and academic honors. Tessa has interned at McShane & Bowie LLP and the PREA Investigation Unit at Rikers Island, combining her passions for justice and advocacy. She is set to pursue a master’s degree in Sports Law and Management at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, in partnership with Real Madrid FC.
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