Lisa Leslie Breaks Silence on Longstanding Injustice in the WNBA: “Women of Color Have Always Been Undervalued”

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, a pioneer of women’s professional basketball, has spoken out about a truth that has long remained unspoken in mainstream sports conversations: the deep-rooted injustice faced by female athletes, especially Black women, in the WNBA since its inception.

In a recent candid interview, Leslie opened up about systemic challenges that have persisted throughout the league’s history, saying, “There’s been a quiet but constant inequality since the first generation of the WNBA. Women have always had to fight twice as hard to get half the recognition, and women of color have carried the heaviest burden.”

Lisa Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA champion, is not just speaking from the sidelines—she lived through the early days of the league, when media coverage was sparse, pay was low, and public respect for women’s basketball was often lacking. For years, players like Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson pushed through these barriers not just to build their own legacies, but to lay a foundation for future generations of women in sports.

But despite the growth of the league and the increasing popularity of stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark, Leslie believes that inequality remains deeply embedded, particularly in how women of color are treated by media, fans, and even league leadership.

“It’s not just about pay disparity compared to the NBA. It’s also about how the stories of Black women in this league are sidelined. When we speak up, we’re labeled angry or divisive. When others speak, they’re praised as passionate or brave,” Leslie noted.

This sentiment echoes growing concerns across sports media, as recent headlines and coverage trends have drawn criticism for giving disproportionate attention to white players, while Black players—many of whom have dominated statistically and led championship teams—are often underrepresented or overlooked.

Leslie’s remarks come at a crucial time for the WNBA, as the league experiences unprecedented visibility. With expansion plans in motion and viewership on the rise, Leslie emphasizes that equity must grow alongside exposure. “It’s not enough to celebrate the game,” she said. “We have to celebrate all the women who built it and who continue to elevate it—regardless of race.”

She also called on the league, sponsors, and the media to amplify the voices of all players, especially those who’ve historically been pushed to the background. “Progress doesn’t mean we ignore the past. It means we learn from it. And the WNBA can’t afford to keep repeating the same mistakes.”

Lisa Leslie’s message is clear: the time for silence has passed. As a trailblazer who helped shape the league’s foundation, her voice now serves as a reminder that true progress in women’s sports must include racial justice, recognition, and respect for all.