OK, show of hands… How many of you hoops fans out there have watched some WNBA action this season? Yeah, we thought so. We admit it, too. Here at the offices of the ShaqFu Radio blog, we’ve tuned in for some of the ladies’ action, and it’s been a (mostly) good experience.
There’s absolutely, positively no doubt that adding college superstars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to the ladies professional league has boosted both in-person attendance and TV ratings for the league as well. Nothing like some recognizable names to get more of a buy-in from the fans.
Undoubtedly, most of the attention is on former Iowa star Caitlin Clark. Now with the Indiana Fever, Clark has brought new attention to not only her team, but the woman’s league in general. Fever games are (mostly) sold-out wherever they play. Even though the Fever have struggled, the fans are showing up. BTW, “struggling” may be an understatement. As of this posting, Indiana has won only four games so far this season, and the team is currently ranked 10th out of the league’s 12 teams.
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Still, the headlines continue. Recently, there was quite a ruckus over the fact that Clark was not selected to the USA Women’s Olympic Team. The story behind that is for another day… But suffice to say it made for some heated discussion all around. Some have said she would be a “distraction” to the team…others say she’s not ready for the international game. We disagree on both counts..but again, that’s for another story.
On his most recent “Big Podcast,” our man Shaq talked about how he believes Clark is the victim of ‘professional jealousy’ when it comes to what other players in the WNBA think about her. Now, O’Neal isn’t the first to talk about Clark’s challenging start to her pro career. Perhaps one of the most interesting moments came when late-night talk show host Bill Maher said she’s being targeted by WNBA rivals because she’s “white and heterosexual.” Ouch.
Clark’s first pro season has been a bumpy ride indeed. You’ve probably heard some of the other comments, and you may have seen video of the flagrant nearly NFL-style tackle she got from Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
On his podcast, O’Neal talked about what he thinks is going on in the minds of other WNBA players: “So I think where people get upset is, as a player you don’t want to be forgotten. You know what I call it, I call it stealing props. It’s professional jealousy.”
Shaq noted that there are other great rookies in the league this year, not just Clark: “I just think people should focus more on not just her, cause she is a great player, but don’t forget about the beautiful Cardoso and my girl Angel.” (Speaking of former LSU star Angel Reese, who’s now with the Chicago Sky.
Fans love Clark. Other WNBA players? Well, the jury may still be out. Still, there’s no denying that Caitlin’s high profile is helping the game across the league. WNBA games on sports outlet ESPN have been smashing ratings for the ladies game. Attendance at games is at an all-time high as well.
Still, Shaq says it’s important that fans give some attention to their teams and their players, not just Clark. “Let’s make something clear, one person may have all the props, but it’s never one person. Don’t say we’re getting new sponsorships because of Caitlin. No… what about Angel [Reese], what about [Kamilla] Cardoso? What about my favorite, Kelsey Plum?”
It’ll be interesting to see if the buzz created by Clark’s entry into the professional game – along with Reese and others – lasts through the season, and continues to uplift the ladies game for years to come.