Swoopes was expected to call Sunday’s Wings vs. Fever game but was replaced at the last minute
The Indiana Fever’s 100–93 win over the Dallas Wings on Sunday was notable not just for Caitlin Clark’s standout performance, but also for who wasn’t in the broadcast booth.
WNBA legend and Dallas Wings color commentator Sheryl Swoopes was slated to call the game but was replaced by Nancy Lieberman. Neither Bally Sports Southwest nor the Wings offered an explanation, and now, Stephen A. Smith is weighing in, suggesting the change may have stemmed from Swoopes’ personal feelings toward Clark.
Stephen A: “It had something to do with Caitlin Clark”
Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the ESPN analyst pointed directly at Swoopes’ absence.
“What incriminates somebody like Sheryl Swoopes even more, who, by the way, was supposed to be calling the game… and she did not, no doubt it had something to do with the fact that when Caitlin Clark performed earlier in the week, she didn’t want to talk about it at all,” Smith said.
He was referring to Clark’s 31-point, 12-assist game in a win over the Chicago Sky just days before.
Smith went on to say that producers and bosses in television recognize when personal bias bleeds into on-air commentary.
“We know you know the game too well to be ignoring Caitlin Clark,” Smith added.
Background: Past Comments and Apology
Swoopes has made headlines in the past for questionable statements about Clark, including false claims that she played five years of college basketball and took 40 shots per game.
In reality, Clark played four seasons and averaged 22.7 field goal attempts per game en route to becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.
Swoopes later posted a screenshot of a private apology she sent Clark in a text, writing:
“I also have nothing but respect for you and your game… Congrats on everything you have accomplished.”
Clark responded positively, thanking Swoopes and calling her a WNBA legend.
Leaving Clark Off the List
Despite the apology, Swoopes has continued to draw criticism for her reluctance to acknowledge Clark’s role in the Fever’s turnaround. During an August episode of her Queens of the Court podcast, Swoopes praised players like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull — but made no mention of Clark, who has been Indiana’s leading scorer throughout their recent hot streak.
Since starting the season 1–8, the Fever have gone 16–8, improving to 17–16 — their first time above .500 this season.
Smith called Swoopes’ omission “insane” and said her basketball IQ made it hard to believe the oversight wasn’t personal.
Swoopes Responds: “Why can’t I talk about who I want?”
Swoopes responded to the criticism on X, writing:
“You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. So why can’t I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE!”
She defended her choice to spotlight other Fever players, citing personal relationships.
What’s Next
Neither the Wings nor Bally Sports have commented on whether Swoopes’ removal was temporary or permanent. For now, the questions around objectivity and commentary remain open, especially as Caitlin Clark continues to headline both on and off the court.
The Indiana Fever face the Los Angeles Sparks on the road this Wednesday.