WNBA to strengthen security measures amid online abuse concerns

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players' union said they would continue enhancing security measures after meeting to address a recent increase in racist, hateful and abusive messages targeting players.

The joint statement from the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) followed a meeting between WNBA leadership and members of the union's executive committee and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee.

The WNBPA requested the meeting after a June 24 game incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, in which Thomas made contact with Clark's throat. Thomas later said she had been subjected to online harassment following the incident.

"The conversation underscored the importance of addressing issues early through proactive communication and strengthening the league-union relationship," the WNBA and WNBPA said in a joint statement.

The league said it would continue to enhance security resources and work with the players' union to explore partnerships with organizations that support the league's values and shared priorities.

The WNBA suspended Thomas for one game after upgrading the play to a Flagrant Foul 2. Fever coach Stephanie White also criticized officials for not calling a foul during the incident.

Following the controversy, Clark condemned the abuse directed toward players, coaches and officials.

"Harassment, hate, none of that is okay," Clark told reporters earlier this month. "That goes for the opposing teams we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches."

The WNBA launched a player safety program last year after players raised concerns that racist and sexist abuse had become an unintended consequence of the league's growing popularity.

The league also maintains security protocols, including league and team security personnel who assess threats and coordinate with law enforcement when necessary.

"Yesterday's discussion marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, and we are united in our commitment to building on this work together," the WNBA and WNBPA said.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Kim Coghill/Reuters