The Federalist has ignited fresh controversy by accusing the NBA of enabling what it describes as the WNBA’s “anti-white violence” problem, following a heated incident in a recent Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever matchup. The conservative outlet’s latest commentary, published Monday, zeroes in on a flagrant foul by Chicago guard DiJonai Carrington against Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham, framing it as part of a broader pattern of aggression toward white players like Cunningham and Caitlin Clark.
Video from Saturday’s game shows Carrington wrapping her arm around Cunningham’s neck and dragging her to the floor as the Fever guard attempted a layup. Carrington, who is Black, was ejected and fined for the hit. In a social media post, she characterized the incident as an example of “white privilege,” a remark that drew swift backlash and amplified the debate.
The Foul and Its Fallout
The Federalist’s piece, titled “The NBA Is Enabling The WNBA’s Anti-White Violence,” argues that the WNBA’s existence relies heavily on the NBA’s financial backing, with estimates placing NBA ownership of the women’s league at roughly 60 percent. The outlet contends that this dependency gives the NBA significant influence—influence it has allegedly failed to wield to protect players like Cunningham and Clark.
“It’s part of a longstanding pattern of violence against her and fellow (white) teammate Caitlin Clark,” the article states, pointing to the league’s history of heated physical play involving its most prominent white stars. Cunningham, who has publicly opposed transgender athletes in women’s sports, and Clark, a record-breaking rookie, have both drawn large audiences to the league—a fact The Federalist argues may make them targets.
The piece also notes that the WNBA has not suspended Carrington as of publication, despite the severity of the foul. The league’s inaction, according to The Federalist, is emblematic of a broader failure to address what it calls a “race-obsessed” culture within the player base.
NBA’s Role Under Scrutiny
The Federalist’s central argument is that the NBA, as the WNBA’s largest backer, bears responsibility for the league’s conduct. The outlet references a New York Post report from October 2024 indicating the WNBA lost $40 million that season, continuing a streak of annual losses. Given this financial dependency, the NBA could leverage its position to demand reform, The Federalist argues, but has so far remained silent.
“There is no reason for the NBA to keep bankrolling the WNBA when it serves as nothing more than a protectorate for angry, race-obsessed lesbians who jealously attack their fellow players who are white for the crime of being successful and likeable,” the article asserts, using language likely to provoke strong reactions on both sides of the political aisle.
The commentary also criticizes Indiana coach Stephanie White for not fully backing Cunningham in the aftermath of the foul, suggesting that even within the Fever organization, there is reluctance to address the incident head-on.
League Response and Broader Context
Neither the WNBA nor the NBA has issued a public response to The Federalist’s specific accusations as of this writing. However, the WNBA has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of physical play and social justice activism, with some critics alleging a double standard in disciplinary actions.
The incident involving Carrington and Cunningham is the latest flashpoint in a season marked by intense rivalries and growing attention to the league. Clark, in particular, has become a polarizing figure—celebrated for her on-court success while also drawing criticism from some quarters for her ethnicity and traditional views on sports policy.
The Federalist’s framing has been met with predictable reactions, with supporters praising the outlet for highlighting what they see as a legitimate safety concern, while detractors accuse it of racializing a routine sports incident. Some commentators have pointed out that fouls of this nature are not uncommon in basketball, and that the WNBA’s disciplinary system, while imperfect, does mete out punishments like the fine Carrington received.
Still, the broader question of the NBA’s role in WNBA governance remains a topic of debate. The NBA has historically maintained a hands-off approach to WNBA operations, despite its significant ownership stake, and has not publicly commented on the latest controversy.
A Pattern of Allegations
This is not the first time The Federalist has leveled such accusations. The outlet previously published a related piece titled “NBA Doubles Down On Woke By Punishing Jaden Ivey For His Christianity,” suggesting a pattern of perceived bias within the NBA itself. The new article extends that critique to the WNBA, arguing that the league’s leadership is more focused on progressive causes than on the safety of its players.
For its part, the WNBA has emphasized its commitment to player safety and inclusivity in past statements, but has not specifically addressed the Carrington-Cunningham incident beyond issuing the fine.
As the debate rages on, the incident has become a lightning rod for discussions about race, gender, and sports culture in America. Whether the NBA will step in remains an open question, but The Federalist’s call for action underscores the growing pressure on both leagues to address controversies that extend far beyond the court.
Source: thefederalist.com — https://thefederalist.com/2026/08/10/the-nba-is-enabling-the-wnbas-anti-white-violence/