“Too Narcissistic To Notice”: Ex-ESPN Anchor Elle Duncan Draws Reactions From Journalists Over ‘Toxic’ WNBA Remark

“Too Narcissistic To Notice”: Ex-ESPN Anchor Elle Duncan Draws Reactions From Journalists Over ‘Toxic’ WNBA RemarkOjus Verma Wed, October 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTC

September 30, 2025, New York, United States: Elle Duncan attends the Broadcasting Cable Hall Of Fame Awards 33rd Anniversary Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 30, 2025 in New York City. New York United States – ZUMAs197 20250930_aaa_s197_243 Copyright: xRonxAdarx ©IMAGO/ZUMA Press WireSince 2024, the WNBA has seen a massive surge in popularity, but not all the attention surrounding the league has been positive. In August, former ESPN anchor Elle Duncan described it as “the most toxic space to cover,” a remark she revisited during a conversation with Baker Machado at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In summit on Tuesday.

Since 2024, the WNBA has seen a massive surge in popularity, but not all the attention surrounding the league has been positive. In August, former ESPN anchor Elle Duncan described it as “the most toxic space to cover,” a remark she revisited during a conversation with Baker Machado at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In summit on Tuesday. Duncan explained that the toxicity stems from her love for the league and frustration with how its unique community has been reduced to a culture war. However, her explanation has not sat well with OutKick reporter Jon Root.

“People like Elle Duncan are the problem, but they’re too narcissistic to notice,” Root wrote on X. “The problem with the WNBA isn’t conservatives, who were largely drawn to the league by Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. The problem is the media & most of its players are just a bunch of woke, divisive, left-wing activists.”

Elle Duncan’s initial comments came at a time when the WNBA was grappling with one of its most divisive debates. Indiana Fever star Cunningham sparked widespread controversy after discussing the need to protect young girls in locker rooms during an interview with ESPN. The debate soon spilled beyond the court, with protests taking place outside arenas and former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White publicly declaring for the WNBA Draft before making appearances at games.

“It sucks because it’s not getting any better. It sucks because we thought three years ago, when this started, it will die down. They will see themselves out. Everything will regulate. And we are still here. And that’s why it’s toxic,” Duncan added during her interview with Machado. “It’s a disingenuous space that the people that are talking about the most are not fans and don’t care. They are literally there as opportunists to be divisive. And it’s working. That’s why it’s toxic because I love it and hate it all at the same time.”

A prominent media figure's controversial take on the WNBA has sparked heated debate across the sports journalism community. Subscribe to stay informed on how this story unfolds and what it reveals about sports media accountability.

Many have pointed to Caitlin Clark’s arrival in 2024 as a turning point in the WNBA’s growing culture-war divide. While the Indiana Fever star helped bring record-breaking viewership and unprecedented attention to the league, her rise also intensified debates that often extended beyond basketball.

From on-court physicality to the treatment of Clark by opponents and the reactions of her fan base, conversations surrounding the 24-year-old have frequently threatened to overshadow the game itself. Clark, meanwhile, has repeatedly pushed back against using her name to advance agendas beyond basketball.

But why has the WNBA become such a frequent target in the culture war? In Elle Duncan’s view, part of the answer lies in the league’s demographics, particularly its “large faction” of Black and queer players.

“It feels like open season to dunk on Black women because we do not have protection. Because no one cares, because we are low-hanging fruit,” Duncan added. “Because it is very easy to dunk on us since we are, I would say, outside of transgender people, the most marginalized of the marginalized groups.”

Her remarks have drawn mixed reactions from other media personalities as well, with some reading them as a criticism of the attention surrounding Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, while others backing her perspective. Let’s Talk Sports took the former view, writing on X, “Elle Duncan wants Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark gone.” Reporter Aya Abdeen, meanwhile, appeared to support Duncan, posting, “LET HER COOK ???? #WNBA.”

However, despite the toxicity she sees surrounding the league, Elle Duncan believes the answer is not to walk away but to keep supporting the WNBA through the controversy.

“Still support, still watch the games, still buy their merch, buy their apparel. That’s how you get these bad faith characters out of here,” she said. “You are bullish in the fact that you’re gonna keep supporting this league. You do not throw your hands up and go, ‘Well, never mind, I just, it’s too toxic, and I can’t deal with it because I need to protect my peace.’ The only way through this is through this.”

So Duncan’s message is clear: the league cannot move past its divisions if those who love it walk away. Whether fans agree with her assessment or Root’s criticism, the debate reflects the very tension that Duncan believes has made the WNBA so difficult to cover.