Bird criticizes Clark’s impact on the WNBA, but Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe defend the young star, calling out the league’s struggles without her.

A storm is brewing in the world of women’s basketball, as WNBA legend Sue Bird has openly expressed her frustrations about Caitlin Clark’s perceived impact on the league’s viewership. Bird, who has long championed the WNBA’s growth, recently called out the league’s declining ratings and blamed Clark for the recent crash in interest during the playoffs. What began as a comment on the state of the WNBA has since spiraled into a heated debate, with sports pundits like Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe jumping to Clark’s defense.

Bird’s criticism stemmed from the noticeable drop in viewership since Clark, the breakout college basketball star, exited the playoffs. Bird argued that the WNBA should not hinge its entire success on one player, stating that the league has enough collective talent to thrive without Clark’s presence. However, her comments quickly sparked a backlash, particularly from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who wasn’t willing to let Bird’s remarks go unchallenged.

Stephen A. Defends Caitlin Clark: “Those Are The Facts!”

In a fiery response, Stephen A. Smith addressed Bird’s criticism head-on. “What you mean, ESPN? Because I work at ESPN, I’m supposed to ignore the facts?” Smith fired back on his show, making it clear that while he supports the WNBA, he won’t sugarcoat the truth. “Viewership numbers are down, and nobody really has an interest in watching the WNBA Finals right now. Those are the facts!”

Smith has been a vocal advocate for Caitlin Clark all season long, praising her for bringing excitement and new eyes to women’s basketball. Without her, he argued, the WNBA has struggled to maintain the same level of buzz and fan interest. “Caitlin Clark is a huge draw,” Smith said. “Without her, the WNBA is struggling to keep people engaged.”

Shannon Sharpe Joins the Debate

Shannon Sharpe also weighed in, agreeing with Smith’s assessment of the situation. He emphasized that while Bird has every right to defend the WNBA, Clark’s undeniable influence can’t be ignored. “Caitlin Clark’s impact on the sport is real,” Sharpe noted. “You can’t just pretend that people are showing up to these games the same way without her.”

Sharpe and Smith pointed to the fact that ticket prices for WNBA playoff games have plummeted, with some tickets selling for as low as $10 at the Target Center in Minnesota. “If Caitlin was playing, do we really think tickets would be selling for $10?” Smith asked rhetorically. “Obviously not.”

Sue Bird’s Pushback: Protecting the WNBA’s Image

Sue Bird, meanwhile, has remained steadfast in her belief that the WNBA is more than just one player. She was quick to push back against the narrative that Clark’s absence is solely to blame for the league’s current struggles, arguing that it undermines the collective effort of all the players.

For Bird, it’s not about dismissing Clark’s talent, but rather about highlighting the growth of the league as a whole. “We’ve seen full stadiums in places like Vegas and New York, and those games aren’t all about Caitlin,” Bird said. However, the stark difference in viewership numbers when Clark was playing compared to when she wasn’t has been hard to ignore.

The Reality of WNBA’s Struggles Without Caitlin Clark

The harsh truth remains: without Caitlin Clark’s star power, the WNBA is facing an uphill battle to retain fan interest. The league has resorted to lowering ticket prices to maintain the appearance of strong attendance, but the numbers tell a different story. Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe both pointed out that the drop in ratings following Clark’s playoff exit speaks volumes about her importance to the league.

“She’s a game-changer, no doubt,” Sharpe added. “But the WNBA needs to figure out how to keep that momentum going when she’s not around.”

Bird’s frustration with Smith and Sharpe may stem from a desire to protect the WNBA’s long-term image. She has been vocal about ensuring the league isn’t seen as overly reliant on any one player, but the reality is clear: without players like Caitlin Clark, the league is struggling to keep the same level of excitement and energy.

Looking Forward: Can the WNBA Survive Without Clark’s Star Power?

The debate surrounding Caitlin Clark’s influence has reignited discussions about the future of the WNBA. While Bird remains hopeful that the league can thrive through collective effort, Smith and Sharpe have highlighted a stark reality—the WNBA needs its stars to shine brightly, and without Clark, it faces a difficult path forward.

As the conversation continues, it’s clear that Caitlin Clark isn’t just a rising star—she’s become a central figure in the WNBA’s quest to maintain relevance and fan engagement. With Bird, Smith, and Sharpe all weighing in, the spotlight is now on the league to prove whether it can truly thrive without its biggest name on the court.