Jackson Thompson Exposes the WNBA’s Biggest Problem
OutKick Reporter Jackson Thompson joins Riley Gaines to break down what he’s seeing inside the WNBA’s biggest cultural moment. Riley and Jackson discuss Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever, WNBA fan energy, league growth, media gatekeeping, and whether the league is prepared for its expanding audience. They also discuss the ongoing debate over men in women’s sports, questions around WNBA eligibility policies, Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White, San Jose State volleyball, and how sports media has covered female athletes speaking out. Plus, Jackson shares what he’s watching next as the WNBA postseason approaches and Team USA women’s basketball prepares for international competition.
Women’s Basketball World Cup teams were forced to evacuate their Berlin hotel early Tuesday morning for the second time in three days, after a fire started in a neighboring parking facility.
FIBA said the alarm went off at 9:06 a.m. local time. The teams followed standard safety procedures and assembled outside before returning to their rooms at 9:27 a.m.
“Following a thorough inspection, it was confirmed that the alarm was activated due to the start of a fire in the garbage room located in the underground basement of a neighbouring parking facility,” FIBA said in a statement.
A basketball goal stands in front of a logo for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 outside the Max Schmelling Hall, one of two venues hosting the competition in Berlin on Sept. 3, 2026. The competition takes place from Sept. 4 to 13, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)
“The Police are currently investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The U.S. team was not affected because the Americans are staying at a different hotel from the rest of the tournament field.
Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Chelsea Gray of the USA Women’s National Team look on during a game against China at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 on Sept. 4, 2026, at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany. (NBAE)
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The incident came two days after an alarm forced players and coaches out of the same hotel at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday. That evacuation lasted about an hour and disrupted the sleep of teams scheduled to play later that day.
FIBA said Tuesday that the first alarm “was due to steam in the kitchen during its cleaning.” Australia coach Sandy Brondello had previously said she was told someone activated an emergency alarm in an elevator, according to The Associated Press.
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The Uber Arena in Berlin on Nov. 9, 2024. (dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Tuesday’s evacuation occurred on the opening day of the knockout stage. Hungary and Japan were scheduled to play the first qualification game, followed by host Germany against South Korea. The winners will advance to face the U.S. and Belgium, respectively, in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
FIBA did not report any injuries or changes to the tournament schedule.
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“The safety of all participants remains FIBA’s priority and we are taking all measures to make sure that the teams are put in the best possible conditions to compete,” the organization said.
