Cheryl Swoopes Removed from WNBA Broadcasts: A Turning Point for Women’s Basketball Media

The world of women’s basketball has always been shaped by its icons, and Cheryl Swoopes stands among the greatest. A WNBA Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a foundational figure in the league’s history, Swoopes’ legacy as a player is secure. Yet, her post-playing career has been marred by controversy, culminating in her recent removal from all WNBA broadcasts for the 2025 season—a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports community and sparked a broader conversation about professionalism, accountability, and the future of women’s basketball media.

Swoopes’ exit from the broadcast booth did not come out of nowhere. Over the past year, her on-air commentary, particularly regarding rising star Caitlin Clark, has drawn increasing scrutiny. Viewers and analysts alike noted a pattern: Swoopes appeared reluctant to acknowledge Clark’s impact, often omitting her name during broadcasts and downplaying her record-breaking performances. This perceived bias reached a tipping point during a February appearance on the “Gills Arena” podcast, where Swoopes made several factually incorrect statements about Clark’s career. She incorrectly claimed Clark was in her fifth college season and averaged 40 shots per game—both easily disproven. These comments, along with a dismissive tone toward Clark’s achievements, fueled accusations of unprofessionalism and personal animosity.

The controversy was not limited to a single incident. Swoopes’ history as a coach at Loyola University Chicago had already raised red flags. During her tenure, the program saw an unprecedented exodus of players, with allegations of emotional mistreatment and a toxic environment. Former players described living in fear of losing scholarships and enduring public humiliation. The university ultimately fired Swoopes in 2016 after multiple formal complaints—a move that foreshadowed the difficulties she would later encounter in her media career.

As Clark’s star continued to rise, Swoopes’ refusal to give the Indiana Fever rookie her due became increasingly glaring. During broadcasts, she would highlight other players and avoid mentioning Clark, even as Clark’s performances were drawing national attention and filling arenas. This pattern did not go unnoticed by fans or fellow broadcasters. High-profile voices like Stephen A. Smith and Nancy Lieberman publicly criticized Swoopes, with Smith questioning how someone with Swoopes’ basketball knowledge could repeatedly overlook Clark’s contributions. Lieberman, a respected broadcasting colleague, reportedly confronted Swoopes directly about her comments. The fallout was so severe that Lieberman eventually replaced Swoopes on the Dallas Wings’ broadcast team.

The decision by the Dallas Wings and their broadcast partners to remove Swoopes from the 2025 lineup was not just about one player. It was a recognition that Swoopes’ approach had become a liability for the brand and the league. As women’s basketball enjoys unprecedented growth in popularity and viewership, the WNBA is increasingly sensitive to the voices representing the sport. Swoopes’ persistent negativity and factual errors were no longer tolerable in an environment that prioritizes accuracy, inclusivity, and the elevation of new stars.

In the aftermath of her removal, Swoopes attempted a public pivot. Appearing on ESPN, she offered unexpected praise for Clark and the Indiana Fever, highlighting the team’s off-season improvements and predicting success in the coming year. “How much stronger Caitlin got in the offseason… this Indiana Fever team, they have put the pieces together,” Swoopes said, in stark contrast to her previous commentary. Social media was quick to notice the change in tone, with many fans expressing skepticism and accusing Swoopes of damage control rather than genuine support. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright mockery, with some questioning how many months of therapy it took for Swoopes to say Clark’s name without a scowl.

The broader context of Swoopes’ firing is the remarkable transformation of the Indiana Fever. Once dismissed by critics as a struggling franchise, the Fever have become one of the most exciting teams in the league, thanks in large part to Clark’s arrival and the savvy additions of veterans like Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner. These moves have turned the Fever into legitimate championship contenders, blending young talent with experienced leadership. The “Caitlin Clark effect” has not only elevated the Fever’s profile but also boosted attendance and viewership across the WNBA. Fans travel across the country to see Clark play, and her presence has injected new energy into the league.

This rise stands in stark contrast to Swoopes’ professional trajectory. While the Fever and Clark are building something historic, Swoopes finds herself on the outside looking in, her credibility damaged by a year of controversy and public feuds. Her sudden praise for Clark and the Fever is seen by many as too little, too late—a transparent attempt to align herself with the league’s new direction after months of resistance.

The WNBA’s decision to remove Swoopes sends a clear message about the standards expected from its broadcasters. The league is no longer willing to tolerate negativity, inaccuracy, or personal grudges that undermine its growth. Instead, it is embracing voices that support the game’s evolution and celebrate its rising stars. As Nancy Lieberman put it, “We should embrace people who take us to another level.” The league’s unprecedented growth demands ambassadors who can connect with new fans and foster a positive, inclusive environment.

For Swoopes, the lesson is clear: greatness on the court does not automatically translate to success as a coach or commentator. The ability to adapt, support others, and grow from criticism is essential in any professional arena. As women’s basketball continues its upward trajectory, the voices that will shape its future are those who lift up the next generation, not those who hold it back.

Cheryl Swoopes’ removal from WNBA broadcasts marks a pivotal moment for the league and its media landscape. It is a reminder that accountability and professionalism matter, even for legends. As the WNBA moves forward, the focus will remain on the players and teams driving the sport to new heights—while those unwilling to evolve risk being left behind.