The WNBA drama just can’t seem to take a timeout. This time, ESPN analyst and NBA chatterbox, Stephen A. Smith, is back on the court—calling out WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes for “resenting” the league’s rising star Caitlin Clark. The reason? The WNBA’s viewership has been air-balling ever since Clark’s Indiana Fever exited the playoffs. And Stephen A., never one to bite his tongue, didn’t hold back in delivering his signature verbal slam dunk.
During his latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the fiery analyst couldn’t help but throw shade at Swoopes and others who, according to him, spend their days and nights “putting Caitlin Clark down.” Smith even referred to Clark as the “golden goose” of the WNBA—because let’s face it, she’s the one laying all the golden viewership eggs for the league.
Sheryl Swoopes: The Latest Recipient of Stephen A.’s Verbal Dunk
According to Smith, the absence of Caitlin Clark has left the WNBA struggling to pull in viewers, causing a viewership drop of nearly 50%—ouch! He didn’t hesitate to aim a three-pointer straight at Swoopes, accusing her of having a “resentment problem” when it comes to Clark, possibly even rooted in—you guessed it—race.
“Not most, not all, but some people spend their time resenting her for it,” Smith proclaimed dramatically, pausing for effect like only he can. “Sheryl Swoopes is one of those people. You want to give shine to others, fine, but say what you truly feel.” That’s a Smith-ism if ever there was one.
But Stephen wasn’t done yet. “There are a few folks out there who resent the fact that this young white girl came out and did her thing, validating all the attention she’s received. A rising tide lifts all boats, but if folks were more receptive, even more moments would have arrived.”
WNBA Viewership: Falling Faster Than LeBron’s Hairline?
The numbers don’t lie, folks! ESPN reported that the Indiana Fever’s first-round exit against the Connecticut Sun racked up a solid 2.54 million viewers. Not bad, right? But the moment Clark was eliminated, the viewership for the semifinals crashed faster than a rookie trying a slam dunk for the first time.
The semifinal Game 1 between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty? A measly 929,000 viewers. The Lynx vs. Sun? Only 650,000 fans tuned in. It’s like watching a blockbuster sequel flop without its main star—Clark is that valuable.
Stephen A. vs. Sheryl: A Rivalry That Deserves Its Own Halftime Show
If you thought this was a recent spat, think again. Smith and Swoopes have been trading shots since August, when Swoopes dared to leave Clark off her list of top WNBA players on the Queens Of The Court podcast. Smith didn’t take kindly to that snub, calling it “insane.” Insane, Sheryl? More like calling down the thunder from Stephen A.—a risky move.
Swoopes wasn’t going to let that slide. She clapped back, calling Smith a “coward” on social media, throwing some serious shade in his direction. “Not sure what he thought he was doing? He still in his feelings about MM putting him in his place. I’m ready to go on his show!! Coward,” she blasted out on her X (formerly Twitter) page.
Smith responded as only he can, with an exasperated sigh (probably) and a rebuttal: “Sheryl Swoopes engages in levels of immaturity, there’s no way to slice it,” he snapped. “All I’m going to say is, it was pretty damn immature to come back at me like that.” Ah, yes. Classic Stephen A. Smith—throwing gas on the fire and then looking surprised when it ignites.
Will This WNBA Soap Opera Continue? You Betcha!
Now, the million-dollar question: Will Sheryl Swoopes clap back after Stephen A. Smith’s latest on-air roast? Judging by her past responses, Smith might want to keep his eyes on his mentions. After all, Swoopes doesn’t seem like the type to let a comment—or a perceived slight—go unanswered.
For now, Stephen A. has the last word, but given Swoopes’ track record, this might be a game that goes into overtime. As the WNBA playoffs wrap up without their “golden goose,” one thing’s for sure—drama like this is the stuff ratings dreams are made of. If only it translated to viewership on the court, right?
So, grab your popcorn, because the Stephen A. Smith vs. Sheryl Swoopes showdown is far from over. Who knew the WNBA could be so entertaining off the court?