24 DAILY NEWS – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports and political worlds, the U.S. State Department has formally designated the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a terrorist organization.
WASHINGTON — Declaring it a grave threat to national and global security, the U.S. State Department on Thursday formally designated the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a terrorist organization.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the group has “as many as 156 operatives” across 13 U.S. “cells” and alleged foreign ties to basketball leagues in Croatia, Cameroon, Brazil, and Hungary.
‘Radical Agenda’ of Women’s Basketball
Rubio accused the league of promoting a “radical anti-American ideology” centered on empowering women.
Recommended Stories
“The WNBA won’t stop until every woman on Earth believes she can do anything she wants — on the court and off,” Rubio said. “The United States will defeat the WNBA. Make no mistake: if you wage women’s basketball in America, you will be held accountable.”
Key figures named by the State Department include A’ja Wilson, Arike Ogunbowale, Angel Reese, and Caitlin Clark. Veteran star Diana Taurasi was labeled a “senior leader” whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
FBI: ‘Ruthless and Highly Coordinated’
FBI Director Kash Patel described the WNBA as a highly trained, disciplined network, citing intelligence footage of “members running drills and shooting” at training camps.
“These are skilled individuals capable of staying calm under extreme pressure,” Patel said. “Don’t underestimate them. They are ruthless, coordinated, and committed to advancing WNBA objectives.”
Patel warned that anyone providing “material support” — including purchasing tickets, merchandise, or sponsoring the league — could face up to 20 years in prison under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act.
Public Reaction
A Pew Research Center poll found that 56% of Americans view the WNBA as a “critical threat” to the U.S.
“Their demands for equality and respect are absolutely chilling,” said Florida mother Madeline Hagan. “I have daughters, and I don’t want them being radicalized.”
International Links and Future Threats
Rubio also warned of WNBA’s alleged alliances with EuroLeague Women and the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association. He singled out Brittney Griner, noting her 293-day stay in Russia in 2022:
“What could she possibly have been doing there? We will find out — and she’ll wish she never came back.”
At press time, the FBI claimed to have thwarted a WNBA “plot” to stage coordinated gatherings in arenas nationwide starting May 16 — coinciding with the league’s season tip-off.
