New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart revealed that her wife, Marta Xargay Casademont, received a homophobic and threatening email after Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Speaking at practice on Tuesday, Stewart explained that the email was sent directly to Xargay’s email account, which was linked to her Instagram profile. The shocking message came after Stewart missed a critical free throw and layup, which could have secured the win for the Liberty. According to the New York Post, the email’s sender expressed hope that both Stewart and Xargay would die.
“It is terrifying,” Stewart said, highlighting the invasion of privacy that accompanied the threat. “To know that people can have such direct access… there’s another level of invasion happening there.” Stewart described the comments as “over the top” and vowed to use her platform to address the unacceptable nature of such behavior in sports.
Stewart’s remarks follow similar statements from Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas, who spoke out about racist, homophobic, and threatening rhetoric during the playoffs last month. In response to the growing issue, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated before Game 1 that the league is collaborating with players, teams, and the players’ union to combat the rise in hateful rhetoric. “We’re taking the proper precautions,” Stewart noted, adding that threats have continued to escalate since Game 1.
While the WNBA’s popularity has surged this season, the increase in visibility has also brought concerns about player safety. The league introduced charter flights for all games this season, a move designed to protect players from potential harassment, like the incident Brittney Griner faced at an airport last year. Some teams have also added additional security for players, both at arenas and during travel.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon expressed concerns earlier in the season about player security, stating that when she took on her role in December 2022, she requested heightened security for her high-profile players, including MVP A’ja Wilson. “When these ladies go to dinner, I want somebody there with them,” Hammon said in May. “I want them being walked to the restaurant. I want them coming back.”
Stewart echoed Hammon’s sentiments, pointing out that NBA players and other athletes often have bodyguards. She called for a preseason protocol to guide players and their families in the event of direct threats, especially during high-stakes moments like the Finals when the spotlight is even brighter.
Stewart shared that Xargay dealt with the situation after Game 1, and Stewart only learned more details after Game 2. To ensure their safety, the family has communicated with the Liberty organization about where they will be, keeping a close eye on their two young children.
“I don’t look at all my messages on social media, but the fact that it came directly to Marta’s email is something that she couldn’t not see,” Stewart explained. “The level of closeness was a little bit different. We just want to make sure, obviously, that myself and Marta are OK, but our kids are the safest”, told USA Today.