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Heidi Stevens: Division and discord are the last things the WNBA needs

22 0
21.08.2026

I don’t consider myself an acolyte of “Let Them,” a theory popularized by self-help guru Mel Robbins that invites you to protect your own peace by letting other people behave however obtusely they’d like — no skin off your back.

It’s a little reductive for my taste. A little conflict-avoidant. Healthy, probably, at times. Bordering on emotionally lazy at others.

But darn if I haven’t found myself muttering “let them” every time I read a story about the former NBA players demanding to be eligible for the WNBA.

They want to fight for inclusion in a league where fewer than half the teams have their own practice facilities? Let them.

They want to demand eligibility for a draft where the No. 1 pick made a base salary of $500,000 this year? Let them. Compared to the NBA, where this year’s first overall pick will make $69 million across four years? Let them.

They want to play on a court where players have to duck sex toys being tossed at their feet? Let them.

They want to use their time and talents to fan the flames of a culture war? Let them.

They want to help contribute to some of the WNBA’s best ratings in 30 years? Let them.

But I realize it’s not that simple. (More on that in a second.)

First, backing up: Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have spent the last couple of weeks publicly demanding inclusion in the 2027 WNBA draft,........

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