Stephen A. Smith Offers 3 Undeniable Realities That Prove Caitlin Clark Is Behind WNBA’s Uprising Popularity

Stephen A. Smith on Caitlin ClarkStephen A. Smith and Caitlin Clark (Image Source: GettyImages)
Ever since arriving in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark has gained massive popularity, which acted against her. Despite increasing the league’s viewership, the Indiana guard has been the center of unnecessary altercations, criticism, and bias. While her teammates couldn’t come to her defense, veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith extended his support.

On a recent episode of the “Stephen A. Smith Show”, the host stated three stats to answer the ones who claim that Clark is being hyped for no reason. Smith started off by saying, “WNBA draft 2024 drew 2.46 million viewers to ESPN on Monday night, making it the most watched draft in WNBA history.”

The 56-year-old ESPN analyst boldly continued, “ABC announced it had its most-viewed opening weekend doubleheader ever with two games combined in an average of 1.5 million viewers. That marks a 143% increase from a WNBA doubleheader from ABC a year ago.”

Calling the Fever “the second worst team” in the WNBA, Smith further added, “Did you know that the Fever has been involved in three out of the four TV games that have garnered 1.3 million average viewers this season?”

The topic came up after Clark was pushed to the floor by opponent Chennedy Carter in a game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, which caught the eyes of many, even beyond the basketball court.

Tennis icon sends clear message about Caitlin Clark

There have been multiple instances when Caitlin Clark got physically outplayed by the big ladies in the league. However, her recent clash with the Sky shooting guard stunned the hoop enthusiasts, one of them being tennis legend Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova said, “The players in the WNBA need to realize that Caitlin Clark is helping all of them, now and in the long run. Caitlyn is the tide that will raise all boats.” She further mentioned that she didn’t consider the Indiana rookie to be a “saint” but called out the “dirty play” by Carter.

The 67-year-old genius believes the best way to get back at others is by performing well on the hardwood. However, Clark and her teammates need a lot of such motivation as they have a 2-9 record and will be facing the Washington Mystics on Saturday, who have not secured a single win in the 8 games they have played till now.

Kelsey Plum and Darren Waller File for Divorce After 1 Year of Marriage

Las Vegas Aces and Darren Waller (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
WNBA champion Kelsey Plum and NFL tight end Darren Waller filed for divorce after one year of marriage. In April, the WNBA star and New York Giants tight end filed a joint petition for divorce in Clark County, Nevada.

Just after the filing, Plum shared a heartbreaking message on social media. “I’m devastated. I walked through fire for that man, but now I see it’s time to go,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.

“God has given me an incredible life, and I’m truly so grateful for the profound love from my family and friends,” the Las Vegas Aces star continued.

“One day, I’ll share my story; today is not that day. Thank you for the grace to process my pain, to forgive and move forward. Today and everyday I will continue to choose joy. Much love, KP.”

Waller, a former player for the Las Vegas Raiders, and Plum, a two-time WNBA champion with the Aces, started dating. It is said that they dated for almost a year prior to getting married on March 4, 2023.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal claims that on January 22, 2023, Plum and Waller submitted an application for a marriage license.

Waller was traded to the New York Giants shortly after their marriage. Many believed former head coach Josh McDaniels did this on purpose since he wasn’t invited to the wedding.