Geno Auriemma raises concerns about politicization of WNBA

In an interview with CNBC, UConn coach Geno Auriemma expressed concern over the WNBA's direction, stating discussions have been ‘hijacked’ and are more focused on social issues than the game itself. He argued that this shift is unappealing to fans who come to watch basketball, not political protests. Auriemma's comments follow recent controversies involving players like Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington, which have further fueled the politicization debate in women's sports. He urged WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to steer the conversation back to the players and the sport. Auriemma, who has coached at UConn for over 40 years, emphasized the importance of maintaining a focus on basketball to attract viewers.

• 12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Geno Auriemma worries WNBA has been ‘hijacked,’ warns league ‘nobody’s coming to watch … a protest movement’