Stephen A. Smith EXPOSES WNBA Anti-Caitlin Clark Plan – THIS is HUGE!
When Stephen A. Smith decides to speak his mind, the sports world listens. But his latest tirade against the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark didn’t just make noise—it sent shockwaves through the entire basketball landscape. Smith, never one to shy away from controversy, called out the league’s baffling reluctance to fully embrace Clark, the most magnetic rookie the WNBA has ever seen. His message was clear: the WNBA is standing on the edge of its greatest growth opportunity, and it’s fumbling the ball.
Caitlin Clark is not just another promising player; she’s a phenomenon. Before she even played a professional game, Clark was smashing attendance records, sending television ratings through the roof, and selling out arenas across the country. She’s a once-in-a-generation talent who has single-handedly dragged women’s basketball into the national spotlight. Yet, instead of rolling out the red carpet, the WNBA has responded with a lukewarm welcome at best—no big league-wide campaigns, no major promotional push, and certainly no sense of urgency from leadership.
Smith’s frustration boiled over at the league’s failure to maximize Clark’s star power from day one. He pointed out that while other sports leagues are built around their brightest stars—think LeBron James in the NBA or Patrick Mahomes in the NFL—the WNBA’s leadership seemed almost embarrassed by Clark’s meteoric rise. Instead of celebrating her, Smith argued, the league has been hesitant, even resistant, to put her front and center. The most glaring example? The decision not to push for Clark’s inclusion on Team USA, a move that would have supercharged her visibility and the league’s brand.
But Smith’s critique went beyond missed marketing opportunities. He called out the league’s leadership, especially Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and WNBA legends like Cheryl Swoops, for acting more like gatekeepers than pioneers. Their reluctance to acknowledge Clark’s impact, Smith suggested, stemmed from jealousy and a fear of change. Even as Clark’s accolades piled up—Forbes 30 Under 30, SBJ Sports Person of the Year, and more—the WNBA’s response was little more than a shrug. When Clark was named Rookie of the Year, she didn’t get a prime-time celebration or a team event. She got a phone call during practice. For Smith, and for many fans, this was more than just a snub; it was a sign that the league didn’t understand the moment it was living through.
Fans noticed, too. Social media erupted with criticism as the league’s half-hearted promotions and slow merchandise restocks failed to keep up with demand. Clark’s jersey sold out within hours, and tickets to her games became the hottest in the league, yet the WNBA seemed content to let the moment pass rather than seize it. Smith warned that this wasn’t just bad business—it was self-sabotage. The league’s insistence on spreading the spotlight evenly among all players, while noble in theory, was disastrous in practice. In sports, stars drive growth, and pretending otherwise is a recipe for stagnation.
Another issue Smith highlighted was the league’s failure to protect Clark on the court. As Clark brought more eyes to the WNBA, she also became a target for overly physical play and questionable officiating. Fans watched in disbelief as Clark took hard fouls game after game with little intervention from referees. Smith argued that the league’s leadership was more interested in spinning narratives about rivalries than in ensuring player safety. In the NBA, a superstar taking a hard hit would prompt immediate action. In the WNBA, Clark’s bruises were met with silence.
The contrast couldn’t be more stark. While Clark’s presence has elevated every metric the league cares about—ratings, attendance, merchandise sales—the WNBA’s leadership has responded with corporate buzzwords and vague promises. During interviews, Engelbert downplayed Clark’s impact, insisting that “no league is about one player.” But as Smith pointed out, that attitude ignores the reality of modern sports: stars are what make leagues thrive, and Clark is the brightest star the WNBA has ever had.
Smith’s rant was more than just a critique; it was a wake-up call. The WNBA stands at a crossroads. One path leads to sustained growth, packed arenas, and a new era of cultural relevance. The other leads to missed opportunities and the bitter taste of what could have been. Fans see the choice. Analysts see the choice. And thanks to Stephen A. Smith, the league can no longer hide from it.
The clock is ticking. Will the WNBA embrace its moment and build around Caitlin Clark, or will it let fear and old rivalries hold it back? The answer could define the future of women’s basketball for decades to come.
