Stephen A. Smith Criticizes WNBA for Delayed Embrace of Caitlin Clark’s Impact

In a recent segment of The Stephen A. Smith Show, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith took the WNBA to task over its handling of rising basketball star Caitlin Clark. Known for his outspoken style, Smith voiced frustration at what he sees as the WNBA’s tardy use of Clark’s popularity to boost the league’s exposure and profitability.

Smith’s latest comments come at a pivotal time for the WNBA, as the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) recently announced its decision to opt out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), set to expire after the 2025 season. Smith sees this move as a missed opportunity to leverage Clark’s widespread popularity for the league’s growth and financial stability.

Smith: “Caitlin Clark Could Have Lifted the Whole League”

Smith, who has been a strong supporter of Clark, believes her popularity has been instrumental in raising the visibility of women’s basketball in ways few players have done before. From higher television ratings to increased attendance and franchise values, Clark’s appeal has positively impacted the league this season. However, Smith feels the WNBA and its players have not fully embraced her influence.

Stephen A. Smith talking about the WNBA players opt out of CBA and the fact that caitlin clark’s impact wasn’t taken advantage from the beginning.#WNBA#feverrising pic.twitter.com/swmdhU31O3

— LEO (@the22_LEO) October 25, 2024

During the show, Smith said, “The players are absolutely right” about choosing to opt out of the current CBA. But he took issue with the league’s timing, emphasizing that they missed a valuable chance to strengthen their bargaining position by not fully capitalizing on Clark’s popularity sooner.

“Players citing higher television ratings, attendance figures, and franchise values as reasons for opting out? Now wait a damn minute,” Smith asserted. “What have I been saying? I said Caitlin Clark—rising tide lifts all boats. But as much as her presence was maximized by the WNBA, you players could have done more to assist it.”

Missed Opportunity to Elevate WNBA and Its Value

In Smith’s view, the WNBA players, despite years of contributions and hard work, haven’t generated the same level of mainstream attention that Clark’s debut season has. He contended that Clark, along with her counterpart Angel Reese, brought in audiences who may not have previously tuned in to women’s basketball.

Smith explained, “Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese elevated television ratings, boosted attendance, and surely enhanced franchise value. But now, you’re choosing to opt out of the CBA based on those same successes? Where was this unity and support before?”

Smith criticized the WNBA for, as he perceives it, being slow to rally around Clark, whose star power could have made a more significant impact on the league’s overall value.

“You know what I would say to y’all? Are you willing to admit how shortsighted it was not to go all-in on supporting and elevating Caitlin Clark?” Smith asked. “Even more attention could have come, and you all could have reaped the benefits.”

The Broader Impact of Clark and the Road Ahead for the WNBA

Smith’s critiques highlight an ongoing issue within the WNBA—how to attract larger audiences and build a more profitable league. With players now opting out of the CBA, they are looking for a new agreement that acknowledges their rising popularity and market value. Smith believes that Clark’s influence, as well as Reese’s, should have been recognized and promoted from the start to help the WNBA reach greater heights.

Smith has argued for years that the WNBA needed fresh, marketable talent to attract the attention of wider audiences, and he sees Clark as the embodiment of that potential. For Smith, the decision to embrace stars like Clark sooner could have helped improve players’ bargaining power as they prepare to negotiate a new CBA.

What’s Next for the WNBA?

Smith’s remarks add fuel to a growing conversation within the WNBA about how to market players and improve the league’s visibility. As they head toward a new CBA negotiation, players and league executives are seeking a deal that will increase pay, expand revenue-sharing, and ensure better working conditions for the athletes.

With the WNBPA looking to elevate players’ earning potential and increase investment in the league, they may need to incorporate Smith’s advice by embracing Clark’s unique popularity, as well as fostering future stars to sustain audience interest. By doing so, the WNBA could attract new viewers, sponsors, and revenue streams to ensure long-term growth.

Smith’s blunt assessment serves as a reminder of the WNBA’s potential and the importance of making timely, strategic decisions. The league now has an opportunity to learn from these missteps and seize upon the enthusiasm surrounding Clark, Reese, and other emerging stars as it builds its vision for the future.