Overview

• Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper’s wig was accidentally removed by teammate Jade Melbourne during Sunday’s matchup, prompting an unusual pause in play.
• Announcers Meghan McPeak and Christy Winters Scott avoided describing the mishap on air, referring to the interruption only as a “malfunction.”
• Copper addressed the incident on social media, sharing her July 18 warning about hairstylist mishaps and expressing light embarrassment.
• A spectator who taunted Copper during the stoppage was removed from the arena, highlighting the league’s enforcement of fan conduct.
• The episode has reignited scrutiny of the WNBA’s broadcast handling and broader perceptions of its professional image.