Fresh Air · 2026-09-10 · 47 min · 8,285 words

How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars

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This is fresh air. I am Terry Gross. In June, the WNBA announced significant expansion of the league, with new teams coming to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. It's a milestone for the sport, as women's basketball gains both fan and corporate support. At the same time, the league has been embroiled in controversy. That has more to do with the culture wars than with the game.

Sabrina Merchant covers the WNBA for the New York Times sports journalism site The Athletic. She spoke with guest interviewer Sam Fragoso, host of the interview podcast. Talk easy. Here's Sam. By any metric, the WMBA, the Women's National Basketball Association,

It's having a landmark year. Record viewership and attendance. Soaring team valuations and a massive three point one billion dollar media rights deal. With partners like Disney. A B C

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