WNBA star Breanna Stewart revealed that her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received a death threat following the New York Liberty’s loss in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The incident, which Stewart described as deeply unsettling, took place after the Liberty fell to the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, October 10. Stewart addressed the alarming situation during an interview with NBA Today on October 15.
Stewart explained that the threat, which was sent via email, was homophobic in nature and part of a disturbing trend of increased hostility toward WNBA players. “It came after the Game 1 loss, and sometimes people are taking things too far and too out of context,” Stewart said. “Marta had gotten homophobic death threats.
A few other things have happened, but just making sure that we’re doing as much as possible to make sure that our team and the league is aware of the situation and continue to keep everybody safe.”
The 30-year-old forward expressed concern over the escalating violence and hate that players in the league, including herself and her family, have had to face, especially in a sport that prides itself on inclusivity. “The WNBA is the most inclusive league in all of professional sports,” Stewart said. “But throughout the season, we’ve seen more instances of racism, homophobia, and violent language being directed at players.”
Stewart emphasized that hate speech, whether rooted in racism or homophobia, has no place in society, let alone in sports. “There’s no place for hate, homophobia, or racism. We want to make sure that not only am I using this platform, but we’re keeping it consistent and really putting the pressure on the league to keep us safe,” she said. “But knowing this is happening not only in this league but really around the world is unacceptable.”
Despite the frightening nature of the threat, Stewart assured that she and her family were safe, although the experience had been unsettling. “Myself and my family, we’re definitely doing OK. We’re taking the proper precautions,” she said, adding that the situation had been particularly terrifying for her wife. “For Marta, especially, it was, and still is, terrifying.”
RELATED: New Women’s Basketball League Founded by WNBA Stars Secures Major TV Deal
Stewart and Xargay Casademont, who were married in 2021, share two children together: Ruby Mae, 3, and Theo Josep, who will turn one later this month. The couple has always been open about their family life, and Stewart’s recent comments highlight the impact that such threats have on them as parents and as a family.
Stewart confirmed that the incident had been reported to both the New York Liberty and the WNBA, and that her wife had also contacted the police. The league has been made fully aware of the situation, and efforts are being taken to ensure the safety of all players and their families.
The rise in hostile behavior toward players, particularly those in the WNBA, reflects broader issues in sports culture. Stewart’s candid remarks about the threats her family faced underscore the growing need for leagues and teams to address fan behavior and protect their athletes from targeted abuse.
As one of the league’s most prominent players, Stewart’s voice carries significant weight, and she continues to use her platform to advocate for the safety and well-being of all players in the WNBA.
As the WNBA Finals continue, Stewart remains focused on her performance on the court, but her commitment to ensuring that the league takes action to address hate and violence off the court is equally important.
The incident serves as a reminder that even in a league that champions inclusivity, more work is needed to protect its players and their loved ones from dangerous and harmful rhetoric.
Leave a Reply