Overview
- After No. 4 UCLA’s 82–75 road win over No. 19 Ohio State, Close said only one reporter asked to speak with her despite it being the day’s lone matchup of ranked teams.
- Close on Tuesday restated that she wants “proportionate” attention for women’s college basketball and said she is willing to work with nontraditional outlets to tell players’ stories.
- The Associated Press confirmed a freelancer covered the game in person but skipped postgame availability due to AP’s rapid, quote-free recap workflow and a second assignment at a Blue Jackets game.
- Local reporters were in the arena, but there was no formal postgame session for UCLA; Ohio State-focused coverage and travel to the Cotton Bowl were cited as factors limiting attendance.
- The episode has intensified industry discussion about shrinking resources, tight turnarounds, and how limited access affects program visibility, NIL opportunities, recruiting, and evaluation.