Former ESPN presenter Sam Ponder criticised the WNBA for what she described as a failure to defend women’s sport, urging the league to “be courageous” and “stand for women”. The article frames her comments within a wider dispute over the WNBA’s gender-eligibility policies and whether the league clearly defines who may compete.

The piece also refers to criticism from television commentators and reports that former NBA players have challenged the WNBA’s inclusion guidelines. It mentions Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham and criticism of her coach’s response, while presenting the debate as part of broader arguments about fairness and eligibility in women’s basketball.