During Sunday’s nationally televised WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces, ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo issued an on-air apology after making a remark that echoed a phrase widely associated with President Donald Trump.

The exchange took place late in the fourth quarter of the game as Lobo and play-by-play announcer Pam Ward discussed a foul call that had drawn differing opinions from the broadcast team and viewers.

“They disagree with you,” Ward said.

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“They do, and I disagree with them,” Lobo replied.

“And that’s fine. That’s what makes America great, right Pam Ward?”

Following Lobo’s comment, there was a noticeable pause between the two announcers.

Lobo then followed up, saying, “I should rephrase that,” to which Ward replied, “Yes.”

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Ward then suggested she use the phrase “difference of opinion” instead.

Lobo agreed and responded, “Sorry about that,” before continuing with the game commentary.

WNBA broadcaster apologizes after saying “that’s what makes America great

“I should rephrase that.”

“Sorry about that.” pic.twitter.com/T0kSrFA6MA

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 23, 2025

The moment quickly drew attention online, as viewers noted that Lobo’s original phrase — “That’s what makes America great” — closely resembled “Make America Great Again,” the campaign slogan that became synonymous with Donald Trump’s political rise starting in 2015.

The apparent sensitivity to language associated with the president prompted discussion among viewers and on social media platforms, especially given that Lobo’s initial comment was made in a non-political context during routine sports commentary.

The exchange took place during the Las Vegas Aces’ 89–81 victory over the Indiana Fever at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

The Fever, led by standout rookie Caitlin Clark, led for the majority of the game before being outscored by Las Vegas in the fourth quarter.

Clark, who has drawn record ratings and attention to the WNBA since joining the league earlier this year, finished with a solid performance but was unable to hold off a late surge by Aces stars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.

While the game itself was closely contested, the broadcast moment between Lobo and Ward became a separate focal point following the conclusion of the matchup.

ESPN has not issued a statement regarding the incident, and neither Lobo nor Ward have publicly commented further on the exchange.

Lobo, a former WNBA player and longtime ESPN analyst, has covered women’s basketball for the network since 2004.

Her apology during the broadcast was immediate, but it remains unclear if it was prompted by internal network policy, personal discretion, or both.

The phrase “Make America Great Again” remains politically charged and highly recognizable, and this is not the first instance where individuals have backtracked after using similar phrasing in public settings.

The Fever-Aces game drew significant viewership as Clark continues to elevate the WNBA’s profile in her first season with Indiana.

Despite the Fever’s loss, Clark and her team remain a focal point of league coverage as the regular season progresses.

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