There is nothing to doubt about Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA with her rookie season performances. While this has surely been the most buzzing topic of discussion, she’s also faced enough criticism from some sports legends and prominent figures. However, Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman views this scrutiny as a common occurrence in the world of sports which is not happening for the first time.

Recently, Nancy Lieberman weighed in on why Caitlin Clark often finds herself at the center of controversy and criticism. “I think with that there’s going to be it’s human nature sometimes to have some envy, or some jealousy, and it’s happening now to Caitlyn Clark,” said Lieberman via Dan Patrick Show. However, her statement was derived after a detailed explanation where she drew a comparison with other sporting legends in varied fields.

Lieberman expounded, “This point has happened before. You’ve you know well enough that in 1984 when Michael Jordan came into the NBA. The ratings in the NBA were not great Chicago stadium was you know a third full and he comes in from college winning the championship of at North Carolina and you know the Jordan roles are in effect. They’re knocking you know the heck out of them he’s getting the Lion Share of the attention the games are now getting put all of his games are on TV and he just was a polarizing figure.”

The former basketball star took the comparison even further where she brought Tiger Woods into the conversation. She highlighted how the 15-times major champion transformed the PGA’s financial landscape much like Michael Jordan did for the NBA. While the Hall of Famer framed the criticism as stemming from envy, it’s worth exploring how Caitlin Clark is making her mark on the WNBA landscape.

Caitlin Clark’s effect on WNBA’s popularity

Caitlin Clark has not just captured hearts on the court but she has transformed how fans engage with the WNBA. Her rookie season has become a major draw, with games featuring Clark attracting a remarkable 1.184 million viewers. This is a huge leap from the 428,000 viewers typically seen for other WNBA games, highlighting just how magnetic her presence has become.

Recently coming back from the All-Star break, Caitlin Clark spearheaded the Indiana Fever to consecutive victories, and the impact was immediate. The team’s social media activity soared, experiencing a phenomenal 159% increase in interactions year-over-year. They’ve now topped the league in social media engagement per post. TikTok saw an even more impressive surge, with interactions jumping by 306%.

The Indiana Fever has surged to the top of the WNBA’s viewership charts, with many of their games now among the most-watched. Notably, viewership among those under 35 soared by 124%, while young girls watching the league saw a striking 139% increase. Despite facing criticism, Clark’s influence on the league is undeniable, and Lieberman’s perspective on the matter seems to resonate deeply.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.