Stephen 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.
