Stephen A. Smith Calls Out WNBA for Fumbling Caitlin Clark’s Impact
The WNBA is facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of Caitlin Clark, a rising star whose presence has significantly boosted television ratings, attendance, and overall interest in women’s basketball. Despite Clark’s undeniable influence on the league, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has strongly criticized WNBA leadership for failing to fully capitalize on her popularity, calling it a major missed opportunity.
A Generational Talent Ignored?
Clark has been a dominant force in basketball, filling arenas and smashing TV ratings records. Her presence alone has drawn a wave of new fans to the WNBA, proving her marketability and importance to the league’s growth. However, Smith argues that instead of embracing and elevating Clark’s status, the league has been hesitant, reluctant, and even resistant to making her the face of the WNBA.
A major point of contention was Clark’s exclusion from Team USA for the upcoming Olympics, a move that shocked many. Smith noted that legendary player Sheryl Swoopes did not even acknowledge Clark’s impact, further reinforcing the narrative that the WNBA is downplaying her success rather than leveraging it.
Recognition Without Celebration
Despite Clark earning prestigious accolades such as being named to Forbes 30 Under 30, Sports Business Journal’s Sports Person of the Year, AP Female Athlete of the Year, and TIME Athlete of the Year, the WNBA has seemingly minimized its acknowledgment of her achievements. While other rookies have been celebrated with grand announcements, Clark was informed of her Rookie of the Year award with just a phone call before a playoff practice in Connecticut—a stark contrast to the grand gestures seen for past players.
Fans have noticed these disparities and have expressed frustration over the league’s unwillingness to embrace the player responsible for the biggest surge in WNBA viewership in years. The lack of a major celebration for Clark’s achievements only adds fuel to the belief that the WNBA is mishandling its greatest marketing asset.
Stephen A. Smith’s Explosive Take
Known for his outspoken nature, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in calling out WNBA leadership, particularly Commissioner Kathy Engelbert. Smith emphasized that the league’s reluctance to maximize Clark’s popularity is a self-inflicted wound that could cost them dearly in the long run.
“If you had gone all in from day one, the benefits would have been even greater,” Smith asserted, pointing out that the league is now playing catch-up in marketing Clark when it could have been ahead of the curve.
A League at a Crossroads
The WNBA is at a defining moment in its history. Clark’s impact on ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise sales has been undeniable, but the league’s response has been underwhelming. Smith and other analysts warn that continued reluctance to fully embrace Clark’s rise could result in missed opportunities that might never come again.
If the WNBA continues to downplay its most marketable star, it risks stagnating at a time when momentum is everything. Clark has single-handedly expanded the league’s reach, yet she has not received the promotional push that could further elevate women’s basketball to mainstream sports audiences.
Commissioner Engelbert’s Missteps
Commissioner Kathy Engelbert’s public appearances on 60 Minutes and CNBC’s Power Lunch have only exacerbated concerns. When asked about Clark’s impact, Engelbert responded with, “No league is ever about one player.” While technically true, the remark came across as dismissive, downplaying Clark’s significance in driving record-breaking interest.
Instead of championing Clark’s role in the WNBA’s growth, Engelbert chose to focus on league rivalries, sidestepping questions about player treatment, safety, and officiating. This lack of direct acknowledgment has frustrated fans who feel the league is avoiding the reality that Clark is the primary reason for the current surge in popularity.
Controversial Officiating and Unfair Treatment
Beyond marketing missteps, another growing issue is the inconsistent officiating Clark has faced. In one instance, Clark received a technical foul simply for hitting the backboard in frustration after missing a shot—a call that fans and analysts deemed absurd. Meanwhile, veteran Diana Taurasi committed the same action in a separate game but was not penalized, leading to accusations of double standards.
A more alarming incident involved a player being ejected for a hard foul against Clark in a different game, with many questioning the league’s commitment to player safety. Such inconsistencies have raised concerns that the WNBA is prioritizing optics and manufactured rivalries over fair play and professionalism.
What’s Next for the WNBA?
As the league grapples with these issues, one thing is certain: fans are watching, and they expect real change. Smith’s critique isn’t just about Clark—it’s about the WNBA’s broader failure to embrace and promote its biggest stars effectively.
The WNBA has a choice: it can either fully capitalize on Clark’s rise and use it as a springboard for long-term growth, or it can continue making the same costly mistakes that could ultimately hinder its progress. If the league fails to adjust its strategy, it may squander its best opportunity yet to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.
One thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s star power isn’t fading anytime soon. The only question is whether the WNBA will recognize it before it’s too late.
