HOUSTON — Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has spent much of his career navigating the noise that comes with being one of basketball’s most recognizable players.
When it comes to the WNBA and the attention surrounding the league outside of basketball, he sees it as just that: noise.
KD on the drama around the WNBA:
“All that stuff is noise, man. WNBA is flourishing. Look what these women are doing. Look at the money they made over the last few years … The politics they bring into sports nowadays … I do not give a fuck about that.”
(via @ohnohedidnt24) pic.twitter.com/9VZKGJSgv2
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) September 22, 2026
During the Houston Rockets’ media day Tuesday, a reporter asked the former Sun about the league and where it stands today. The reporter specifically asked about his thoughts on the Comets returning, the controversies and what’s transpired over the last season.
“All that stuff is noise, man. The WNBA is flourishing,” Durant said. “Look what these women are doing. You know, look at the money they’ve made over the last few years.”
Throughout the year, the WNBA has remained in the spotlight over major social and, oftentimes, political issues. For Durant, however, those controversies shouldn’t overshadow the league’s broader growth.
One such issue occurred over the summer and hit home in Phoenix.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever, 111-109. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mercury found themselves at the center of one of the WNBA’s most heavily scrutinized moments when forward Alyssa Thomas made contact with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a June game. Thomas’ fist made contact with Clark’s throat during a scramble for the ball. No foul was called during the play, but the WNBA later upgraded the contact to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game.
Thomas received a wave of hate and death threats following the incident, calling out the league for not doing enough to protect its players.
Another major point of discussion came when the topic turned to transgender athlete participation. Two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom — Durant’s former teammate — and Royce White, made the call to identify as women and declare as WNBA prospects.
Durant argues that these incidents shouldn’t become the story of the league.
Jul 6, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston (23) and Kevin Durant (left) pose for a photo after defeating the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
“A lot of that stuff, you know, the politics that they bring into sports nowadays, I understand the messaging behind what they’re trying to do,” Durant said. “But a person like me who just strictly cares for the purity of the sport, I do not give a f— about none of that.
“I care about flourishing and pushing the league forward, and that’s what’s happening right now.”
The former Suns star’s perspective does not dismiss the issues surrounding the league. Rather, he argues that they should be kept in proportion to the larger story: women’s basketball is attracting more fans, more investment and more commercial opportunities, and its players are building careers that extend beyond the court.
May 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Kevin Durant attends the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As the WNBA continues to attract more attention, investment and fans, the controversies surrounding the league will likely remain part of the conversation.
But amid the noise, the league’s growth continues to be the bigger story — one Durant believes deserves the attention.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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