NBA analyst Ric Bucher sparked a debate with his latest WNBA take, arguing that the league lacks diversity in its broadcasts. He said that the current broadcasts are too “safe” and “monotone,” and lack differing opinions.
His take on social media drew mixed reactions from users, with some criticizing it while others agreed.
Ric Bucher Left Fans Divided With His Take on WNBA Broadcasts
Bucher shared a post on X on Sunday, questioning why women occupy all the color analyst and studio host roles in the WNBA:
“Why are all the color analysts and studio hosts women? Women have served in a variety of positions on national NBA broadcasts. Why shouldn’t there be diversity on national WNBA broadcasts?”
He continued: “There are some smart, basketball-savvy women both in the studio and the broadcast booth, but I don’t hear a whole lot of differing opinion or debate. It all comes off as safe and monotone. … Especially when it comes to controversial topics.”
Users flooded the comments section of Bucher’s post with differing opinions:
“Good take @RicBucher. I don’t think this league is capable of handling even the slightest bit of scrutiny. Whether it’s about the play or the politics of the league, they’re incapable of handling constructive criticism,” an X user reacted.
Good take @RicBucher
I don’t think this league is capable of handling even the slightest bit of scrutiny. Whether it’s about the play or the politics of the league, theyre incapable of handling constructive criticism
— Nicholas (@thatguy_ryn10) August 16, 2026
“Ric will get ripped for this take, but he’s absolutely right. There are plenty of male former W, or NBA, or high-level college coaches that can analyze women’s ball and vice versa for women on men’s ball,” Wes Reynolds said.
A fan agreed with Bucher, citing Angel Reese as an example of the WNBA’s “safe” broadcasting:
“Exhibit A is Angel Reese. To continue to hold her up as a star is ridiculous. … Yet none of the commentators will call her out for any of her serious skill deficits.”
Exhibit A is Angel Reese. To continue to hold her up as a star is ridiculous. At best she is a single skill role player. For all her rebounding “prowess”, she can’t shoot outside of 3 ft, her finishing around the rim is horrible, her defensive strength is basically she’s tall,…
— L (@lawyerkev) August 17, 2026
“The Truth Hurts but must be spoken. Now THEY’RE going to accuse Ric with SEXISM,” a fan commented.
Some users also claimed that the lack of diversity in WNBA broadcasts could be due to a lack of interest from men.
“Males occupy 99% of jobs as it is, and most men probably don’t want to be on those broadcasts because the product isn’t very good,” a user commented.
Males occupy 99% of jobs as it is and most men probably don’t want to be on those broadcasts because the product isn’t very good
— Aniston Howard (@AnistonHoward) August 17, 2026
“Just maybe the men don’t want those jobs,” another wrote.
“Seriously? I think white males have had a good run overall; the fact that there are none of them talking about women’s basketball is irrelevant and quite frankly arrogant and stupid,” Ken Wallenius wrote.
Bucher’s take isn’t necessarily an argument against women dominating WNBA broadcasts, but rather a call for more diversity of opinion, debate, and criticism. Differing opinions and the occasional outlandish take, which have become commonplace in NBA coverage, could very well benefit the W’s growing broadcast landscape.
