Angel McCoughtry is asking the WNBA to look out for its former players, not only the ones still on its rosters. The former Atlanta Dream forward made the case on Thursday’s episode of the “Get TO the Point” podcast, pointing to threats she says have come with covering the league from the outside.

Her comments come months after a July report asserting that the WNBA’s growing popularity has led to a surge in online threats against its players.

Angel McCoughtry Likens Life After the WNBA to Leaving Royalty

On player safety, McCoughtry pointed to the league’s changing audience, saying, “One thing that we can do better is protect the women … we have this new fan base where it’s like the girls are getting attacked.”

A five-time All-Star, McCoughtry now covers the game she once played, and did not mince words about where that work has left her.

“I’ve gotten death threats for covering Caitlin Clark… I’m not in the league, so who’s protecting me,” McCoughtry said.

The former player described the gap between active and retired players with a royal comparison. “I think the league can protect the players who are not currently in … I don’t want to feel like I’m Princess Diana and when I was in the royal family. It’s all good, but when I’m out the royal family, you got to fend for yourself.”

On the collective bargaining agreement, McCoughtry gave the league its due.

“Obviously, they did a great job with the rights for women who are pregnant because girls who got pregnant, they didn’t get anything.”

Insurance was another concern, and her own career was the example. “I played over 12 years and got injuries and busted my (expletive), and I don’t have insurance to cover myself,” McCoughtry said.

The WNBA’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement does include a limited healthcare reimbursement benefit for qualifying retired players beginning in 2027. Eligible former players can receive up to $1,250 annually for certain preventive medical expenses, although the program does not provide comprehensive health insurance.

The league has leaned heavily on security in recent seasons. Teams now travel with extra protection and fly charter flights; arenas and team hotels operate under stricter protocols, and artificial intelligence software helps the W spot threats and harassment against players and teams more quickly.

Players also have wider access to confidential mental health support. But their safety amid the growing online visibility remains a topic of discussion.

In June, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received threatening messages after a one-game suspension, which came after her fist made contact with the throat of Indiana Fever’s Clark during a game between the two teams.

Clark condemned the abuse at practice on July 3, saying, “The harassment, the hate, none of that is OK. That goes for the opposing team we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches … I don’t want anybody to ever experience that.”

The players union had already weighed in, in a late-June letter to its players. “We know spirited debate and passionate fandom are part of sports. Threats, harassment, and especially death threats directed at any player or members of her family are not … If you experience any threatening or concerning communications, please remember that both your team and the WNBPA have security resources available to support you.”