Fans Rip ESPN Over Fever-Aces Broadcast Blunders
ESPN is under fire after a string of mishaps during Sunday’s high-profile WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces. A game that featured Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, two of the biggest names in women’s basketball.
The issues began before the ball was even tipped.
Despite the game being scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, ESPN kept airing the American Cornhole League’s Pro Singles Final into the time slot meant for the WNBA Countdown pregame show. Fans expecting in-depth analysis and player features were instead left watching beanbags fly across their screens.
Analyst Error Adds Fuel to the Fire
When the broadcast finally transitioned to basketball, things didn’t get much better. Analyst Andraya Carter, while making her game prediction, incorrectly stated that Fever head coach Stephanie White would not be present—a claim that immediately stirred panic among Indiana fans.
White had missed two earlier games due to personal reasons, including Thursday’s matchup against the Valkyries. But on Sunday, she was visibly on the Fever’s sideline.
Social media erupted:
- “Why did Andrea Carter just say we won’t have Steph White today on ESPN??”
- “ESPNs crack pregame crew said Stephanie White wasn’t with the Fever today. But there she is on the sideline.”
- “ESPN is so unserious.”
High Stakes, High Expectations
With Clark’s games pulling record ratings, ESPN’s margin for error is razor thin. Last week’s Fever vs. Liberty broadcast drew 2.2 million viewers, making it the third most-watched WNBA game ever on ABC.
Given that level of attention, fans expect professionalism and accuracy, especially in games of this magnitude.
Sunday’s missteps were more than just minor slip-ups. When you’re broadcasting the most-watched team in the WNBA, the standard is higher. ESPN’s gaffes didn’t go unnoticed, and fans let them hear it.
