The WNBA has been buzzing with excitement, largely thanks to the standout performances of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. These two young athletes have captured the attention of fans and sports icons alike, including WWE legend Ric Flair, who recently expressed his admiration for them.
Ric Flair, known as “The Nature Boy,” has been a titan in the world of professional wrestling for half a century. From his early days in the now-defunct American Wrestling Association in 1972 to his latest match with AEW in March 2023, Flair has been a fixture in the world of sports entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, he has developed a keen interest in basketball, frequently attending games of NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
Now, Flair has turned his attention to the WNBA, particularly to the rising stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. On a recent Sunday afternoon, during a thrilling game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Flair took to social media to share his excitement about the match and his admiration for the two players.
A Game to Remember
The match between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky was a nail-biter, ending in a narrow 88-87 victory for Chicago. Angel Reese delivered an exceptional performance, marking the best game of her burgeoning career. As the game unfolded, Flair tweeted his thoughts and praises.
“As someone who enjoys the NBA, and having watched legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Magic Johnson, I’m sitting here enjoying the competition between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese,” Flair posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Flair was effusive in his praise, highlighting the unique talents and choices of both players. “Angel, you could be a supermodel, but you choose to play basketball. And Caitlin, the world is yours! You both are so special, as are all the women in the WNBA,” he continued.
Women’s Basketball on the Rise
Flair’s endorsement of the WNBA stars is not just high praise; it’s a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women’s basketball. In his opinion, the WNBA is beginning to outshine other sports leagues. “Congratulations for stealing the show, stealing my attention, and I’m sure so many people around the world’s attention! So proud of you both and all you women!” Flair exclaimed.
The data backs up Flair’s enthusiasm. According to Disney, the parent company of ESPN, the game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever drew the highest viewership for a basketball game on the network since the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. It was the second-highest viewership for ESPN in over a decade.
A New Era for the WNBA
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are at the forefront of this new era for the WNBA. Their skill, dedication, and passion for the game are not only captivating fans but also attracting endorsements from legends across different sports. Ric Flair’s recognition of their talent underscores the impact they are having on the sport and the broader sports community.
As these young stars continue to shine, they are not just playing for their teams; they are elevating the entire league and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The WNBA is indeed stealing the spotlight, and with fans like Ric Flair cheering them on, the future looks bright for women’s basketball.