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‘Part of the Problem,’ ‘She Is the Division She Hates’ — Critics Push Back As Elle Duncan Doubles Down on Calling the WNBA Toxic to Cover

Former ESPN host Elle Duncan, now leading USA Network’s WNBA studio coverage, reignited controversy by calling the league “toxic as hell” during a Tuesday appearance at Front Office Sports’ *Tuned In* summit. She expanded on remarks made in August, arguing that the WNBA’s culture wars—fueled by its predominantly Black and queer player base—create an environment where Black women, including reporters, face disproportionate scrutiny.

Duncan cited personal experiences and conversations with colleagues to support her claim, insisting that the league’s climate makes it uniquely challenging to cover without becoming a target. While she acknowledged shared responsibility among players, the league, fans, and media, her comments sparked sharp backlash, with critics accusing her of contributing to the divisiveness she criticized.

One commentator dismissed her as ‘the division she hates,’ while others questioned her stance given her recent move to Netflix, where she benefits from the WNBA’s growing popularity, including the surge driven by stars like Caitlin Clark. Duncan has defended her position, arguing that Clark should not be blamed for broader attacks on players, though she avoided naming her directly in the discussion.

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