“This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations, this investments of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
The WNBA will introduce a centralized replay center modeled after the NBA’s system amid growing conversation over the increase in fouling among the players, as well as calls by star player Caitlin Clark to improve officiating.
Speaking during the league’s State of the League press conference ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the replay center is intended to improve consistency and transparency. She added that details are still being finalized.
“This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations, this investments of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process while continuing to improve the quality of the game,” Engelbert said.
The announcement comes during a season that has seen an increase in personal fouls and a record-high scoring average across the league. Several high-profile incidents have also involved Clark, including a controversial incident last month when she was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
Clark said that she has been left “emotionally exhausted” by the controversy, which has continued online and has included claims that Clark is being attacked by other players for being white. One USA Today journalist went as far as to compare Clark’s complaints about fouls to the murder of Emmett Till. Thomas, meanwhile, stated she has received racist slurs and threats against her.
Also facing backlash is Clark’s teammate Sophie Cunningham, who drew both praise and condemnation regarding her unapologetic comments condemning transgender-identifying biological males competing in women’s sports.
Engelbert said the league is working to improve player safety both on and off the court. She also said that the league and players union had a virtual meeting on Tuesday about online hate concerns.
“(For) too many players across the WNBA, that experience is unacceptable,” Engelbert said. “Many cases, it's disgusting. Racism, misogyny, homophobia, the harassment and threats directed to our players has no place in sport or anywhere else.”
This is currently the most-watched WNBA season in history. Over 2.2 million fans have attended the games this year, a 16 percent increase from last season.
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