The WNBA All-Star Game is usually a celebration of elite talent, big personalities, and a little bit of playful showmanship.
But this year’s event took an unexpected turn—not on the court, but behind the mic.
ESPN anchor Elle Duncan made a comment during halftime that had people talking for all the wrong reasons.
What should have been light-hearted analysis quickly turned into an online storm.
Elle Duncan’s Joke Lands With a Thud
As halftime rolled around, Team Collier was dominating Team Clark with a wide 82–60 lead.
Defense? Practically non-existent—though that’s not unusual for an All-Star showcase.
Still, Elle Duncan took that fact and tried to make it cheeky.
Comparing the game’s loose defense to a “girls’ trip to Cancun,” she quipped, “There’s no D.”
What was meant to be a playful double entendre sparked immediate backlash.
Viewers didn’t find it clever—they found it inappropriate.
And for many, it was out of place in a league that’s fighting hard for respect, growth, and visibility.
Fans Were Not Amused
Social media lit up within minutes. One user wrote, “This is a professional sports league lol,” clearly unimpressed.
Another added sarcastically, “What a great example for all the young girls watching!”
A third viewer didn’t hold back, calling the entire halftime broadcast “corny.”
While All-Star Games are usually relaxed affairs, fans made it clear they still expect a certain level of professionalism—especially during prime-time coverage.
Collier Dominates the Scoreboard and Takes MVP
Despite the distracting commentary, the game went on. And Team Collier didn’t slow down.
They wrapped up the night with a 151–131 win over Team Clark.
Napheesa Collier was unstoppable, finishing with 36 points and earning MVP honors.
Allisha Gray chipped in with 18, while Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike added 16 apiece.
On the other side, even without Caitlin Clark—who sat out due to injury—Team Clark showed sparks.
Kelsey Mitchell led with 20 points, and rookie standout Kiki Iriafen posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bigger Picture: Calls for Fair Pay
Before tip-off, the players made their voices heard in another way—through protest.
During warmups, both teams wore matching shirts that read “Pay us what you owe us,” a clear message aimed at the ongoing salary disputes with the league.
Negotiations between the WNBA and its players’ union are still stuck in a stalemate, with just a few months left before the current agreement expires on October 31.
Right now, WNBA salaries range from around $66,000 for the lowest contracts to about $250,000 for top earners.
Many players feel the compensation doesn’t reflect the level of talent, effort, or market growth the league has seen.
A Night of Highs, Lows, and Questions About Respect
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game had all the makings of a fun, high-scoring celebration of women’s basketball.
But a crass joke during halftime briefly overshadowed what should have been a night focused on athletes’ brilliance and their push for progress.
Whether you found the remark harmless or tasteless, one thing is clear: the women of the WNBA are demanding to be seen, heard, and respected—not just on the court, but in every way.