The WNBA has finally signed a massive $3 billion TV deal, and the league is expected to attract more attention from audiences. But now players like Angel Reese are seemingly avoiding the media, which could be a major part of fueling this deal. The issue of players snubbing press conferences has become a subject of debate, and Megan Rapinoe has now come forward with her controversial views on the matter.
According to The Spun, Megan Rapinoe advised WNBA players not to attend media rooms for their peace of mind. She even praised Angel Reese for taking the stand within the press conference, only to get fined afterwards. She advised everyone to do the same when they feel they don’t want to face the media. Even though this claim might look appropriate, it is against the league’s interest after signing a major media deal.
Megan Rapinoe stated, “I feel like this was obviously something Angel is doing for herself because of her personal experience, but I think this is a great example for all athletes and all female athletes of, ‘I don’t really have to do this.’ It might mean I get a fine, but at some point, we have to adjust the expectations that journalists can just go up there and throw any kind of narrative, and we’re the ones, athletes are the ones who are going to either field that or dispel that or say it’s not true or try and combat it.”
Megan Rapinoe is getting ripped by the audience again
This is not the first time that people have criticized Megan for her controversial opinion; she has been under fire before when she called the US men’s hockey team “clown.” People are going after Rapinoe for her statements, as the WNBA cannot afford to have the players practice as a norm. WNBA is developing and engaging its audience, so a player boycott of media can have a huge impact on the audience that looks for these interviews. And that could certainly be a big issue if the WNBA wants to make a big impact in the media world.
Fans are criticising Rapinoe for her bad advice, especially for the players who are just starting in this league. One of the fans stated, “If there’s someone who should not be advising other athletes on interviews and dealing with the public, it’s Megan!” Another one pointed out the fact that Rapinoe has been a bad example of handling media correctly, as he stated,“Rapinoe doesn’t have to worry about skipping interviews. Nobody cares about her inner rage. She’s desperate to make her own interviews. Those are the only ones she will get.”
And one of the most obvious reasons fans pointed out to criticise Rappino is that the media is the league’s biggest source of revenue, so they should not be boycotted at any cost. As one of the fans stated, “One may not answer certain things, but you don’t trash media as it gets you funds.” So the debate goes on over whether Reese set a bad example by leaving the press conference, and Rapinoe has turned the barrel of every gun towards her for now.
Published: May 13, 2026 02:30 pm