The NBA commands global attention with lucrative sponsorships and a vast fanbase. The WNBA, however, home to exceptionally skilled athletes, has often battled for its rightful place in the limelight. However, a recent surge in viewership suggests the tides may be turning.. Well, things have started to shift, thanks to Unrivaled. The league made an impressive debut, averaging 221,000 viewers per game on TNT and truTV, with 11.9 million viewers across its first season.

In fact, Unrivaled delivered the 10 most-watched women’s basketball games ever on TNT. Despite this success, the NBA vs. WNBA debate never dies. The Underground Lounge podcast has added another layer to the discussion: Can a WNBA player actually beat an NBA player one-on-one?

Of course, the NBA’s physical advantages – length, speed, and athleticism – cannot be discounted. Critics argue that the size and strength of male players would overwhelm WNBA players, even ones as skilled as A’ja Wilson.

Lou Williams thinks otherwise. The former Sixth Man of the Year made his stance clear: “So when you’re talking about one on one and you’ve never had the ball in your hand, one-on-one is different. You’re not going to turn into a killer all of a sudden and do what you want to do with A’ja Wilson because she’s a woman.”

And according to the 76ers star, Unrivaled has played a key role in changing perceptions. “And I think that’s what’s dope about Unrivaled… Like everybody is a star. Everybody is a household name,” he said. The league allows fans to see WNBA players’ raw talent—fadeaways, spin moves, behind-the-back plays—all in a competitive setting that showcases just how elite they are.

Then, Williams doubled down on Wilson’s ability, even though she didn’t participate in Unrivaled. “So when you put one on one, yes, A’ja Wilson and somebody else would… they will beat some guys in the NBA,” he said. “And I’m not saying it’s like 40 of them out there now, but it’s five to eight of them out there that get their ass handed to them.”

Billie Jean King’s iconic 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs in tennis proved one thing. This debate over whether A’ja Wilson could compete against NBA players in a one-on-one game taps into long-standing questions of gender and physicality in sports. And more often that not, it’s not a black and white situation. But Lou remains firm in his support for A’ja.

Lou Williams feels A’ja Wilson is the true face of the WNBA

When it comes to naming the face of the WNBA, two names stand out – A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark. Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces superstar, has stacked up an impressive resume, winning the 2024 WNBA MVP, earning three MVP titles in the past five seasons, securing two WNBA championships, and setting the single-season scoring record. On the other hand, Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie and 2024 Time Athlete of the Year, has brought a massive wave of attention to the league.

So, does the title go to the league’s best player or its biggest star? Former NBA standout Lou Williams didn’t hesitate when asked on Run It Back. “I still think [the face of the WNBA] belongs to A’ja Wilson,” he said.

Williams backed up his stance by pointing out Wilson’s dominance and growing visibility. “A’ja has done a tremendous job of being a champion, being an MVP, doing all of these things. And now her visibility has gone up. You’re starting to see her in commercials,” he noted.

But he also acknowledged Clark’s impact. He added, “What she has been able to accomplish in her rookie year, and the eyes she has brought to the WNBA.”

However, Williams questioned whether Clark’s massive following would stick around long-term. “I think some of these people are here for the wrong reasons… but I think that still belongs to A’ja Wilson,” he said. With opinions split, this debate is far from over.

As Unrivaled continues to elevate female athletes, and figures like A’ja Wilson lead the charge, the debate between NBA and WNBA skill levels becomes less about competition and more about recognition.

The real victory, however, might not lie in one-on-one matchups but in the undeniable growth of women’s sports and the growing appreciation for their talent