The WNBA All-Star Game this past weekend wasn’t short on offense, but it was an on-air joke from ESPN host Elle Duncan that ended up stealing the spotlight.
As Team Napheesa Collier dropped 82 points in the first half against Team Caitlin Clark’s 60, Duncan gave her halftime analysis with a line that left jaws dropping:
“Because like a girls’ trip to Cancun, right now, there’s no D.”
The comment, referencing the clear lack of defense during the game, had her co-host Chiney Ogwumike instantly reacting—”Elle, you’re in timeout. You’re done.” Moments later, the broadcast cut to commercial.
Mixed Reactions from WNBA Viewers
Social media quickly lit up. While some chuckled at the tongue-in-cheek humor, others found it inappropriate for a nationally televised WNBA event.
“Add this to a long list of why no one takes @WNBA or @espn seriously,” one critic posted.
“If Shane Gillis said that, they’d try to cancel him,” another wrote, referring to the controversial comedian.
Duncan’s joke added fuel to ongoing debates about how women’s sports are presented and perceived in the media. For a league fighting for more respect and recognition, the off-color remark didn’t sit right with every viewer.
Despite the controversy, the game itself delivered fireworks. Collier scored 36 points to lead her squad to a 151-131 victory. Notably absent from the court was Caitlin Clark, who is nursing a groin injury sustained earlier in the week.
With the second half of the WNBA season set to resume Tuesday, the league hopes the conversation returns to the court and not the commentary booth.
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