Several sources mentioned that ESPN fired Star analyst Chiney Ogwumike after a shocking on-air slur against Caitlin Clark, which sparked national backlash.
Chiney Ogwumike, 33, born on March 21, 1992, is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
In 2020, she became the first Black woman and WNBA player to host a national radio show for ESPN.
She was one of the first and youngest commentators ever to be named an NBA analyst for the network covering the NBA, WNBA, and other sports while simultaneously playing in the WNBA.
After re-organizing ESPN’s NBA coverage, she joined the daily series NBA Today as a rotating in-studio analyst.
In addition, she was elected vice president of the WNBA Players Association and signed an endorsement deal with Adidas.
Debunked: The Truth Behind the Chiney Ogwumike And Caitlin Clark Controversy
On April 11, 2025, a Facebook handle named NBA Legendary claimed that ESPN fired star analyst Chiney Ogwumike following a shocking on-air slur against the Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during an interview with Angel Reese.
A Thread user, Vinnrocc, also posted that Chiney’s on-air comments against Caitlin ignited national backlash, which led to ESPN firing her.
WNBA player Chiney invited Chicago Sky star Angel Reese to Friday’s episode of Uniterrupted on April 11, 2025. Chiney complimented Reese, but she made negative comments about Caitlin Clark.
Chiney to Angel Reese:
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) April 11, 2025
“We know there are people on the outside saying this person gets the credit or that person gets the credit, for us….we got you.”
That about sums it up. pic.twitter.com/Eu7gCeDZHN
Chiney said,
“You mentioned how you stand up for other people. I want you to know that we stand for you. Sis, your fans, they’re not to be played with.” “A lot of people on the outside are saying this person gets the credit or that person gets the credit, for us….we got you.”
Chiney Ogwumike
The clips of Chiney making these comments went to Twitter, where Caitlin’s fans criticized Chiney. One fan mentioned that Chiney’s stance towards Angel suggested that the WNBA doesn’t want to grow.
“This Angel Reese glaze is more proof that the WNBA doesn’t want to grow. It is about putting Caitlin Clark down, the reason for the growth.”
Andy Froemel
Some fans also criticized Chiney for endorsing Reese’s fanbase by claiming they have been racist toward Caitlin Clark fans. One fan said,
@Cr_902025
“The difference in how she talked about the fan bases is insane…,”
Another fan said,
Caitlin’s fans are bad, Angel’s fans are good. So much for being an objective member of sports media. Sickening stuff,”
@Centerextreme1
Some fans also criticized Angel Reese for allowing Chiney to make those comments. One person wrote,
So tired of all this. AR is exhausting. Wants to be relevant and a star so bad she’ll do about anything. Caitlin just stays in gym and works. That’s why shes great!!!!”
Mike Sheetz
However, ESPN hasn’t officially announced that they have fired their sports analyst Chiney Ogwumike.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chiney Ogwumike has an estimated net worth of around $3 million as of 2025.
- Ogwumike was born to her father, Peter Ogwumike, and her mother, Ify Ogwumike. She is one of four girls in the Ogwumike household and the second oldest among her sisters.
- Born in Tomball, Texas, Ogwumike attended Cypress Fairbanks High School in nearby Cypress, Texas, winning the 5A State Championship in her sophomore and senior seasons.
- She participated in the 2010 WBCA High School All-America Game, scoring 24 points and earning MVP honors for the White team.
