You know what else wasn't a suspension? When Mabrey knocked Clark to the ground during a dead ball. When Carter knocked her to the ground on a dead ball. When Diamond DeShields trucked her twice in one game. When Sheldon and Carrington intentionally poked her in the eye.
9.9 million watched the 2023 title game. They didn’t watch it for the last 30 second finger wave.
18.9 million didn’t watch the 2024 title game because of South Carolina
Caitlin is solely responsible for the GROWTH
There were a lot of super basketball players in the WNBA when the crowds were 2-3k.
There are a lot of super players now in the WNBA.
The WNBA was slowly gaining traction as a mainstream sport for some time.
Caitlin Clark exploded the W onto national stage.
All true things.
In my opinion, Caitlin Clark being white or straight is not what's mostly driving the treatment she's receiving.
There have been plenty of white and/or straight players who didn't deal with this.
They're simply jealous of her. All of them.
Caitlin received more fame and adoration than any female basketball player ever, even before playing a single minute in the WNBA.
And they hate her for it.
WNBA Facts:
2022
Attendance - 5,647
Average salary - $110,000
2024 Caitlin Clark drafted
2026
Attendance - 11,000
Average salary - $583,800
A high tide raises all boats.
I would like to see Caitlin Clark's agent or management team release a statement:
"Until the WNBA can prove they provide a safe and fair environment for Caitlin to play basketball, she will not participate in games"
The WNBA has FA now they need to FO.