The WNBA is currently witnessing a battle between women athletes. Caitlin Clark, who achieved a feat only matched by LeBron James in basketball – being named TIME Athlete of the Year, surprised many. While some praised her accomplishment, there are dissenting voices questioning the reigning league Rookie of the Year as the sole deserving recipient of the award. One such voice is Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson. The question arises, are her criticisms valid?
In a recent interview with CNN, Johnson stated, “This year, something clicked with the WNBA and it’s because of the draft of players that came in. It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s [Angel] Reese. We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized. And I don’t think we can just pin it on one player.”
Continuing her thoughts, Johnson added, “[On Tuesday], you read Time Magazine, where Caitlin Clark was named Athlete of the Year. Why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said ‘The WNBA is the League of the Year’, because of all the talent we have? Because when you just keep singling out one player, it creates hard feelings. We have got to… respect everybody that’s playing and their talents.”
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However, viewership numbers present a different perspective.
In response to CNN’s post on X, a user shared a comparison of game audiences across the league, highlighting the significant rise in viewership numbers when Caitlin Clark plays. This data challenges Johnson’s assertions.
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The interview’s disingenuousness, hate, and ignorance are apparent. Your team averages 4,988 viewers, but the number jumps to 20,522 when Caitlin plays. It’s time to acknowledge the bias against Caitlin Clark. The tiptoeing around this issue is laughable.
— Michael Ramsford (@Ramsfordmaster) December 13, 2024
Overall, the numbers indicate a significant difference of 75.5k, showcasing the impact of Clark’s presence. While the WNBA has a rich history with talented players, Clark’s rise has undeniably made a mark. Sheila Johnson may need to reassess her opinions in light of these statistics.
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Johnson acknowledges the structural issues in media coverage regarding race and talent recognition. She emphasizes the need for players of color to receive the acknowledgment they deserve, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
This story is evolving…