Is the WNBA Cooking the Books? | Hard Pass Ep. 33

HARD PASS with Doug Kezirian

Is the WNBA Cooking the Books? | Hard Pass Ep. 33

Are the WNBA and ESPN bending the truth about “record-breaking” TV ratings and attendance numbers? Doug Kezirian breaks down the questionable PR spin with countless examples that have surfaced this week: ESPN’s sketchy All-Star tweet (“girl math”), Golden State Valkyries inflated attendance numbers (they’re an expansion team), Paige Bueckers’ bogus stat line (where is the logic??), WNBA 2K ratings (spoiler: they make no sense)... all fueling controversy and a heated online debate about what is quickly becoming a full-blown credibility crisis. With a $2B TV deal looming, Doug explains why transparency matters — and how the league risks losing credibility right when it needs it most.

“Numbers matter in sports, but if fans think you’re cooking the books, you lose all credibility.” ~ Doug

#WNBA #ESPN #CaitlinClark #PaigeBueckers #KelseyPlum #GoldenStateValkyries #WNBA2K #WNBAPlayoffs #WNBARatings #WNBAcontroversy

HARD PASS Ep. 33

📌 On Today’s Episode:

00:00 - Intro

00:18 - The Hoop Scoop

🏀 Is the WNBA lying about ratings, or at least cooking the books? How ESPN’s All-Star “158% jump” tweet sparked the initial doubt, and why league PR spin is creating mistrust.

🏀 Doug walks through all the recent examples of the WNBA’s oncoming credibility crisis:

02:54 - Fake Stats: Golden State Attendance

03:42 - Fake Stats: Kelsey Plum’s Points Record

04:58 - Fake Stats: Paige Bueckers’ Box Score

06:10 - Fake Stats: TV Ratings

08:04 - Fake Stats: WNBA 2K Ratings

09:32 - Athletes’ Response

🏀 WNBA players turn down the league’s offer for 4x their salaries, because the lack of transparency is generating mistrust. Could a LOCKOUT be imminent?

11:14 – Fans in the Stands

🏀 Schedule chaos or just bad refs? Fans are split — what’s your take? 👇

#WNBA #BasketballNews #NBAHotTakes #SportsDebate #BasketballPodcast #viralbasketball #BasketballTalk #SportsCommunity #NBAnews #wnbanews

Welcome to HARD PASS with Doug Kezirian, your courtside ticket to everything basketball — from buzzer-beaters to behind-the-scenes drama, scorching hot takes, and sharp analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Brought to you by the Doug Kezirian Sports Network (DKSN).

🗓 New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 2pm ET / 11am PT

💥 Help DKSN grow by liking, commenting, and subscribing: https://www.youtube.com/@DougKezirianSportsNetwork

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a take.

📣 We want to hear from you!

Hot take? Bold opinion? Drop it in the comments or tag us online.

Your question/comment could be featured in our Fans in the Stands segment!

📬 For inquiries or interviews: [email protected]

Follow Doug & DKSN:

🐦 Twitter/X: @DougKezirian

📸 Instagram: @DougKezirian

🎵 TikTok: @DougKezirian

On the Doug Kezirian Sports Network, HARD PASS brings sharp NBA and WNBA basketball analysis, fast-breaking news updates, and unapologetic hot takes straight from Doug and a rotating crew of insiders. We break down the biggest storylines from tip-off through the NBA Finals, spotlight standout moments in weekly basketball highlights, and dig into what’s real vs. overhyped in the latest sports debate. New to wagering? Our Betting 101 segments translate odds and strategy for everyday fans while we react in real time to shifting lines and late injury news. Whether you’re here for smart hoops talk, bold sports commentary, or a lively community that loves arguing ball, you’re in the right place — DKSN is your home court for NBA news, WNBA news, and can’t-miss basketball conversation. 🏀