“Take The Attention And Run With It”: Marcellus Wiley’s Advice To WNBA About Elle Duncan’s Stance On “Toxic” Casual Fans

The WNBA has become part of the national discourse this season, mainly for political and not athletic reasons. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing, says former NFL player Marcellus Wiley. It can actually be the start of a better relationship between the public and the league, and casual fans are key to this.

Speaking on a video posted to his X account this Wednesday, Wiley railed against the culture of some around the WNBA who believe that casual fans aren't necessary for the sport and league to grow.

In his critique of this mindset, Wiley said:

"What's wrong with a casual? A casual buys a jersey, a wristband; a casual turns on the TV, gives you a little rating bump; a casual has a conversation that spreads to somebody who is a real fan. But what is this real fan culture?… What does it matter? Take the attention and run with it," said Marcellus Wiley.

He also made a comparison to the NFL, noting that as a kid he was only able to attend one of the league's games. He said that didn't mean he didn't love the league; it just showed how few opportunities there were for him to attend. In the same vein, casual fans, he argues, could help the WNBA grow nationally.

WNBA celebrates record viewership numbers in 2026 season

This Wednesday, the WNBA released a statement by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert celebrating what they called a record-breaking season for viewership and fan engagement.

"The league's 30th season has been one to remember, with extraordinary fan engagement, record viewership, packed arenas and spectacular basketball," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "For three decades, generations of players, teams, fans and so many others have dedicated themselves to building this league and making a season like this possible. There is tremendous pride in what we've accomplished together and even greater excitement for all that lies ahead."

According to their press release, the league achieved a record of 90 million viewers this season, with 51 broadcasts attracting at least 1 million viewers. They also celebrated 3.8 million fans attending their games in person.

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