Former WNBA broadcaster Michele Tafoya criticizes league's focus on activism
Michele Tafoya told host Dan Dakich that the WNBA has shifted from celebrating women's basketball to emphasizing political activism, citing recent protests and a coach's trans-rights T-shirt.
Former WNBA play-by-play announcer Michele Tafoya said the league has moved away from a focus on women’s basketball toward political activism. Speaking on Dan Dakich’s "Don’t @ Me" program, Tafoya recalled calling games during the league’s early seasons and described the current environment as dominated by protests.
"I'm losing faith in this league," Tafoya said, adding that recent demonstrations outside a Minnesota Lynx game featured loud speakers that she said disrupted players.
She referenced Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve’s decision to wear a "Trans Kids Belong" T-shirt during a game, interpreting it as an example of the league prioritizing activism over sport. Tafoya also praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for speaking out on the issue, calling her a “hero.”
Tafoya argued that the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports has become highly charged and expressed concern that the focus on activism is detracting from basketball itself.