The 2026 WNBA Finals were recently shifted so that the Atlanta Dream could play their home games at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. When the Finals matchup between the Dream and Golden State Valkyries was originally set, the State Farm Arena wasn’t available and they were going to have to play at an arena better suited to host a high school basketball game.
While that was all sorted by the time Stephen A. Smith sat down in front of his video camera two days ago, he still used it as a jumping off point to go after the WNBA and the media that covers it. Look no further than the titles of some of the chapters of his video, which was posted to the Stephen A. Smith Sports YouTubge page:
- “Bush league!” Stephen A. Rips the WNBA’s Preparation
- “Simply Utterly Embarrassing”: A 3,500 Seat Finals Arena?
- Calling Out the WNBA Media & Pundits
- Why the Media is Scared to Criticize the WNBA
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Stephen A. Smith rips the WNBA
Smith criticized the WNBA media for cowering away from Sophie Cunningham’s “political positions.” Or talking about how Kelsey Mitchell felt playing for the Fever before asking Caitlin Clark about it at a press conference. He also wants the league and it’s associated media to stick up for itself when politicians get involved.
“You’ve got elected officials sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong, and we’ve got a bunch of people cowering away from tackling the issue. Well what are you here for? Every single supposed controversial issue that has become associated with the WNBA, we see the league cowering away from the issue. What are you there for?”
MORE: Sophie Cunningham lands second Trump shoutout as he questions if she can play
Smith wants the WNBA to “tackle these issues fearlessly.” “It’s your league,” said Smith. “You’ve got to go for yours, no matter how unpopular of a position it is. At least show the world they’re gonna have to answer to you if they’re going to come after the WNBA in any way.”
Stephen A. Smith wants WNBA media to be fearless
“We’ve got too many people in the world of sports that’s… too damn afraid,” said Smith. “Too hesitant to speak based on the information placed in front of them and let you know where they stand. Where their heart lies, but you’re asking for the support of the people, when you ain’t being real enough with them. In real time. Anybody can come up with opinions that are safe! Anybody can join the group!”
From there he went after people who criticize him and said that being called out for being wrong “sharpens” him. “They didn’t tell ya’ll, I don’t give a sh–,” he added.
It seems Smith feels the WNBA needs more people that around the league.
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