Basketball prodigy Caitlin Clark has significantly amplified the visibility of women’s sports.
NBA icon Isiah Thomas recently engaged in a conversation with Dan Dakich on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me” to discuss the impact of the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft on the sport.
“I’m genuinely thrilled with the spotlight Caitlin has cast on the WNBA, and it’s fantastic to see women’s basketball getting this level of attention,” the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer shared with Dakich.
Thomas expressed satisfaction with the notable increase in attention the WNBA has garnered this season.
“For far too long, the media hasn’t given the WNBA the athletic and competitive recognition it deserves. Occasionally, it gets a mention. But now, with Caitlin’s arrival and her stellar college career, which was captivating to watch, there’s a curiosity… you want to see it continue. Her contributions are fantastic, and it’s great to see the media, the WNBA, the marketing efforts, and the players stepping up,” he elaborated.
Thomas also noted that while controversy isn’t inherently beneficial, it does generate interest in the league.
“Controversy isn’t ideal, but it does draw attention. The NBA, whether it acknowledges it or not, had to navigate through many controversial moments to reach its current level of fan appeal. The NBA faced those challenges and emerged stronger.
“The WNBA, now in its 26th or 27th year, will undoubtedly face its own controversial moments, and I’m confident it will rise to the occasion,” Thomas continued.
Clark recently set a personal record by scoring 30 points in a victory over the Washington Mystics. Despite Clark’s standout performances, the Indiana Fever have had a challenging start to the season, entering their game against the Atlanta Dream on June 13 with a 3-10 record.
Clark is currently averaging 16.3 points and 6 assists over the first 13 games of her WNBA career.
