Sheryl Swoopes is back in the headlines after firing subliminal shots at Caitlin Clark, reigniting tensions between their respective fan bases. The controversy follows an ongoing debate among fans about the impact of Caitlin Clark’s absence from the WNBA playoffs, with some suggesting her exit has caused a drop in viewership. However, recent ratings tell a different story.

Despite early claims from some of Caitlin Clark’s fan base vowing to boycott the WNBA after her Indiana Fever were eliminated, viewership numbers for the WNBA Finals remain strong, with over a million viewers tuning in for the first game. This contradicts the narrative that the league would lose significant interest without Clark’s presence.

Critics online have poked fun at Clark’s fans, accusing them of overstating her influence. However, her fan base was quick to defend her impact, pointing out that no game since Clark’s last appearance has matched the 2.5 million viewers who watched her final playoff game on September 25, when the Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun.

One viral tweet sparked the latest round of fan engagement, with a user mocking Clark’s supporters for claiming they wouldn’t watch the WNBA after her elimination. The tweet received over 3.4 million views, sparking a wave of comments defending Clark’s draw, even in her absence. Fans argued that viewership would likely be double or triple if Clark had advanced to the finals.

Meanwhile, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes added fuel to the fire with a veiled remark seemingly aimed at Clark. After the New York Liberty’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, Swoopes advised the Liberty not to “jack up threes” when they get a lead, a comment some interpreted as a shot at Clark’s style of play.

During her podcast, Queen of the Court, Swoopes elaborated on her advice, urging the Liberty to move the ball and force Minnesota to defend multiple actions rather than relying on individual heroics. Though she didn’t mention Clark by name, many fans saw it as a critique of the star rookie’s tendency to shoot from long range.

Caitlin Clark’s fans didn’t take the comment lightly, with some seeing it as unnecessary criticism of a player who has been central to boosting WNBA viewership and interest this season. As debates continue, Clark’s supporters remain firm in their belief that she has had a lasting impact on the league, despite her early playoff exit.

The rivalry between Clark’s fanbase and those of other WNBA stars, like Angel Reese and Sheryl Swoopes, has only intensified, with many wondering how these dynamics will shape the future of fan engagement in women’s basketball. With the Minnesota Lynx leading the series against the New York Liberty, fans are now eagerly awaiting Game 2 to see how these storylines unfold on and off the court.