Believes Clark has overshadowed some established stars.
The WNBA has been steadily rising in popularity, with fans increasingly flocking to arenas to watch top-tier professional women athletes compete.
The league boasts renowned players like Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, and Candace Parker, but according to Philadelphia 76ers icon Charles Barkley, the arrival of newcomer Caitlin Clark has overshadowed these established stars.
During a recent episode of “Steam Room,” Charles Barkley and co-host Ernie Johnson discussed the surge of media attention Clark has received since joining the league. Barkley expressed his concerns that while Clark’s prominence is beneficial, it might diminish the visibility of other seasoned players.
The discussion highlighted that the Indiana Fever, Clark’s team, has seen a significant increase in their games being broadcast nationally.
Barkley offers his take
Barkley, known for his forthright opinions, clarified that he has no issues with the Fever’s games being televised but is concerned about the impact on other star players and potential future legends such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
“When I first saw the WNBA TV schedule, the first thing I said was, ‘Oh sh*t.’ I said, ‘There’s going to be a negative impact, blowback from players, from media,” Barkley said.
“You would think that the people who run the WNBA would be smart enough to know that there was gonna be blowback.”
Barkley pointed out that while he doesn’t blame Clark for the spotlight she receives, he is critical of the league’s marketing strategies that might inadvertently sideline players who have dedicated years to the WNBA and contributed significantly to its legacy.
“Not to put her in a position because she is a shining star and I know you have to show her,” he added.
“I think it’s important we show her but I think that’s overkill in my personal opinion.”
News
“Troubled” Clark and Her $20 Million Nike Deal Called into Question as Aces’ Owner Faces WNBA Funding Probe
The Las Vegas Aces are the two-time defending champs but they have taken a backseat to the Indiana Fever due to Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA. The Fever made the former Iowa superstar the No. 1 pick in this year’s…
Caitlin Had to Sit on the Bench while ‘In Good form’ because of Her own Mistaken Decision, which Led to Heavy Criticism of Her coach. Is this Considered ‘Personal Vendetta’?
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever suffered their fifth loss of the season, in their fifth game. Clark and the Fever haven’t been able to connect the dots to claw out a victory. They started the season getting blown out by…
“True Friendship” Nika Muhl has always received Support from Former Teammate Paige Bueckers since the Early Days of WNBA “This is the one”. I don’t expect them to be “Competitors” in the future.
Paige Bueckers is following the journey of all her ex-UConn Huskies teammates, who have taken steps into the WNBA. She took to X to share league rookie Nika Muhl’s edgy outfit she chose to wear in the tunnel before a…
Jewell Loyd – Caitlin’s opponent, sent her four messages after the Fever vs. Storm game just took place and the Fever lost five games in a row: “Everyone’s journey is different.”
Not many would understand the pressure that Caitlin Clark feels at any given moment. However, another first-round pick can certainly try to. Although pressing the fact that everyone’s journey in the W is different, Jewell Loyd still shares what her rookie year was like….
Astounding!!! Nika Muhl’s mid-court shot before the Seattle Storm vs Minnesota Lynx game had everyone “gasping”. This is why, despite encountering “unplayable” troubles earlier, Nika always finds a spot in the starting lineup???
Nika Muhl has become a women’s basketball fan favorite over the past two months. While the Croatian guard was already popular among UConn fans during her NCAA tenure, Muhl’s excellent defense against Caitlin Clark during the 2024 NCAA tournament made fans fall…
End of content
No more pages to load