The WNBA is receiving unprecedented attention thanks to top draft picks Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. And while the addition of Clark, in particular, is a major boost for all WNBA teams due to increased ticket sales and exposure, not everyone is loving all the attention the former Iowa Hawkeye is getting.
Minnesota Lynx Cheryl Reeve, 57, is having a tough time dealing with the attention Clark is getting. She’s taking particular issue with how much the WNBA is promoting Clark and Clark alone.
The WNBA promoted Clark’s preseason opener vs. the Dallas Wings on May 3, calling on fans to catch the game for free on the WNBA app. The WNBA, however, didn’t promote the Lynx vs. Chicago Sky preseason bout. To make matters worse, the game wasn’t streamed by the WNBA, as fans had to tune into a live stream from a fan in attendance to watch the game.
In response to the WNBA’s promotion of Clark’s preseason opener, Reeve sent a very clear message about how the league is promoting one, and not all of its players.
“ALSO in action tonight – Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky 7pm CST. Though fans won’t be able to watch, #Lynx fans can go to the Lynx app to follow along via play by play. Or if you are in market, come to the game…as we start the season off right #12teams #theWismorethanoneplayer,” Reeve said.
© Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
ADVERTISING
It’s a strong message from Reeve, who makes a good point. There’s nothing wrong with the WNBA promoting its most popular player, but leaving everyone else out of the mix is flat-out wrong.
The WNBA is so much more than just Caitlin Clark. The smart approach by the league is to use all the attention Clark is getting to promote the rest of the teams and players. By doing so, new WNBA fans will get to know other star players they were unaware of beforehand.
