In a stunning and controversial development, WNBA legend and former broadcaster Sheryl Swoopes has been officially removed from all 2025 WNBA television coverage following a yearlong controversy surrounding her repeated public statements about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community and beyond, was confirmed by multiple league and broadcasting sources earlier today.

A Legendary Career, Tainted by Controversy

Sheryl Swoopes, a three-time WNBA MVP and Hall of Famer, was once revered both on and off the court. Her transition to broadcasting in recent years was seen as a natural extension of her legacy—a voice of experience and authority in the game she helped build. However, her time behind the microphone has come to a dramatic end after months of increasingly harsh and, as many now claim, unfounded criticism directed toward Caitlin Clark, the breakout rookie phenom of the Indiana Fever.

The controversy stems from a series of on-air and social media remarks made by Swoopes throughout the 2024 WNBA season and into early 2025. Swoopes repeatedly questioned Clark’s competitiveness, leadership, and authenticity, often using language that fans and analysts found unusually personal and aggressive. Critics accused her of manufacturing narratives that were not supported by facts or player behavior.

The Final Straw

League officials and media executives reportedly reached their breaking point following a viral video in which Swoopes doubled down on a previously debunked story alleging Clark had refused to participate in team bonding activities and had “alienated” her Fever teammates. The story, which was initially published anonymously on a sports blog and later refuted by both Clark and several Indiana Fever players, was cited by Swoopes during a televised segment in early April.

The backlash was immediate and severe. Fans took to social media in defense of Clark, with many accusing Swoopes of jealousy or personal vendetta. Analysts and former players also chimed in, calling for professionalism and integrity in WNBA media coverage. The Fever organization issued a statement backing Clark and denouncing the spread of misinformation.

Within days, reports began to circulate that WNBA TV and its parent network were considering disciplinary action. Today, it became official: Swoopes has been fired from all 2025 WNBA TV duties, with her name and image removed from ongoing coverage and promotional materials.

Reaction Across the League

The firing has ignited a firestorm of reactions from both fans and fellow WNBA personalities. Supporters of Clark have largely celebrated the move as a win for accountability and transparency, while others—particularly fans loyal to Swoopes—argue that the punishment is too severe for what they see as merely opinionated commentary.

“Did you really think you could lie about Caitlin Clark of the WNBA Indiana Fever for a whole year and keep your broadcasting job?” read one popular fan post that has garnered over 100,000 likes on X (formerly Twitter). The comment encapsulates a broader sentiment that misinformation, even from a WNBA legend, cannot go unchecked—especially when it targets one of the league’s most visible and marketable stars.

Meanwhile, Swoopes has not issued a formal statement as of press time, though sources close to her say she plans to address the situation in the coming days.

A Pivotal Moment for the WNBA

The incident marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA, as it navigates a period of unprecedented attention, growth, and scrutiny. Caitlin Clark, already a national sensation coming out of college, has brought a surge of fan engagement and viewership to the league. Her presence, however, has also exposed fault lines in how players are treated by the media—especially young women rising quickly in the public eye.

For WNBA TV, the decision to part ways with Swoopes may signal a renewed commitment to fair, balanced, and fact-based reporting. As one executive reportedly said, “We owe it to the players—and the fans—to tell the truth, not create drama for ratings.”

As the 2025 season heats up, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark’s continued rise—and on how the league, its media partners, and its fans choose to support the stars who are shaping the future of women’s basketball.