Megan Rapinoe Faces Backlash For Advice To WNBA Players

Megan Rapinoe is facing some backlash for her advice to WNBA players.

The legendary U.S. women’s national team star, who recently broke up with her fiancee, Sue Bird, is telling WNBA players to skip out on media obligations when they are not feeling comfortable speaking to the press.

Rapinoe responded to Angel Reese admitting that she’ll sometimes take a fine rather than speak to the media. Rapinoe is encouraging other WNBA players to do the same.

“I think Angel is a really great example of her taking her power back,” Rapinoe said.

“Angel was set up as a villain before she was even in the WNBA, and now she’s making it clear that she’s gonna protect her peace. The media landscape is changing rapidly in women’s sports, and of course, the W, as always, is out front.”

Rapinoe is urging all WNBA players to consider similar moves.

“I think it’s really about like a new level of respect across the board. There needs to be a quality of journalism that is at the level of these athletes,” Rapinoe said.

“I feel like this was obviously something Angel is doing for herself because of her personal experience, but I think this is a great example for all athletes and all female athletes of, ‘I don’t really have to do this.’ It might mean I get a fine, but at some point, we have to adjust the expectations that journalists can just go up there and throw any kind of narrative, and we’re the ones, athletes are the ones who are going to either field that or dispel that or say it’s not true or try and combat it.”

Megan Rapinoe speaks out. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Not everyone loves that advice, though.

The WNBA is a growing league. It recently signed a $3 billion TV deal. WNBA players are getting big raises and more contract money.

The media plays a key role in that.

Rapinoe criticized for her WNBA advice

Some are criticizing Rapinoe of giving out poor advice.

“If there’s someone who should not be advising other athletes on interviews and dealing with the public, it’s Megan!” one shared.

“She remains an incredibly divisive naive athlete,” one added.

“One may not answer certain things but you don’t trash media as it gets you funds,” another fan pointed out.

“Rapinoe doesn’t have to worry about skipping interviews. Nobody cares about her inner rage. She’s desperate to make her own interviews. Those are the only ones she will get,” another shared.

Is Rapinoe on point or off of the mark with her advice to WNBA players?

This story was originally published by The Spun on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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