Fox anchor admits the network is obsessively covering the WNBA
Dana Perino: “We are talking about the WNBA in this way three to four times a week amongst all the other problems in the world”
Published
A recent study by Media Matters found that Fox News has spent more than 13 ½ hours covering the WNBA this summer. In at least 206 segments on the league from June 25 to August 11, hosts and guests frequently criticized the WNBA over culture war issues, including more than 8 hours of coverage questioning whether trans athletes should be included in women's sports. (The league currently has zero trans players.)
Citation
From the August 24, 2026, edition of Fox News' America's Newsroom
DANA PERINO (ANCHOR): Let me ask you something, Jennifer. So, money talks in every place, everything. Do you think this controversy is increasing attendance at these games or hurting it either in the short or the long run? It's hard for me to tell. I'm not there, but it seems like we are talking about the WNBA in this way three or four times a week amongst all the other problems in the world. This is the one that keeps rising to the level. I'm just wondering, do you think it's helping or hurting the league in the long run?
JENNIFER SEY (FOUNDER AND CEO, XX-XY ATHLETICS): I actually think it's bringing a lot of attention to the league. I've been to three games now. They're all packed. I will tell you, there are so many fans on the ground with both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham jerseys. They're young girls wearing these jerseys. The league doesn't want you to know what it's like on the ground. That team has so much support and Sophie has so much support. And that's why we show up at the games, we want her to know she's supported because clearly the league is not supporting her. I think it's probably good for the game. These are huge stadiums and they are packed. That said, I think it would be great if the discussion could be focused more on basketball. And I think the league is doing a disservice by not leading with Clark and not leading with these very popular players. That said, there's a lot of attention here —
PERINO: Yeah, apparently Clark broke some record over the weekend, and I don't even know what it is because it didn't make it in the story, although I was told about it this morning. I should remember it. But anyway, congratulations to Caitlin Clark. Thank you, Jennifer, for coming on the show.
SEY: Thanks for having me.