ESPN WNBA announcer Ryan Ruocco believes WNBA media are hesitant to criticize players beyond Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, hindering the league’s growth. He argues that a lack of critical analysis, even on minor points, isn’t “real sports.”
Ruocco voiced his opinion during an appearance on the Girls Tripp podcast. He stated that for the WNBA to grow, commentators need to “feel comfortable being critical and it not being a personal attack or hating.” He specifically noted the current focus on Clark and Reese, saying, “most of the ecosystem feels comfortable being critical about one player, maybe two.”
Hall of Famer Candace Parker, now a podcast host and Prime Video game caller, previously made a similar point in March. Parker suggested that media have historically focused on uplifting and promoting the WNBA, but now that the league is gaining traction, more honest assessment is possible. Fellow Hall of Famer Sue Bird echoed this sentiment, encouraging players to let their performance speak for itself.
Ruocco acknowledged the challenges of offering criticism given the controversies surrounding Clark and Reese, and the external attempts to undermine the league. However, he believes that broadening critical analysis beyond these two players would create a more balanced discourse and help to diminish the surrounding noise. He suggests that applying the same scrutiny to other stars would be beneficial.
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