ESPN NEWS: WNBA’s Star Clark, Shuns critics who accuse her of racism.
In the preseason, the WNBA is going through growing pains despite its explosive rise in popularity. Only Caitlin Clark’s game with the Indiana Fever was broadcast on television or online services, despite the fact that rookie sensations Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Clark all made their professional debuts on Friday.
There was no local broadcast or WNBA league pass available for Reese and Cardoso’s Chicago Sky debut. Fans expressed worries about racism in response to the exclusion because Clark, a White woman, is given more media attention than her Black rivals.
“What an embarrassing sport the WNBA is.” It’s absurd that Kamilla Cardosa and Angel Reese’s games aren’t included in the league pass, a fan commented on X. “I’m tired of them because they made sure to put the white girl front and center, even though Angel Reese is one of the reasons women’s basketball is getting so much attention.”
During the Chicago Sky’s game against the Minnesota Lynx, one fan live-streamed the action on social media using their phone. In less than 48 hours, more than 2 million people had watched the stream.
On social media, WNBA executives expressed regret for the streaming problem. Before the regular season kicks off on May 14, just four preseason games—including both Indiana Fever matchups—will be available on the league app.
An X user posted on Friday, asking, “Why not shine that light for ALL the ‘other’ Rookies that are also playing today.” “We understand what’s going on, and it’s absurd to add to the story and exacerbate division.”
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WNBA Supporters Are Thrilled with Caitlin Clark Despite Wings Preseason Setback
Despite the Indiana Fever’s defeat against the Dallas Wings, Caitlin Clark’s WNBA preseason debut made an impression. Clark, who is well-known for her superb long-range shooting, showed off her abilities the entire game by scoring 21 points and pulling down three rebounds.
After scoring 11 points in just seven minutes of action, she got off to a quick start and continued to shoot 40 percent from the field and make 38.5 percent of her three-point shots.
In spite of missing a chance to win the game with a three-point shot in the closing seconds, Clark displayed her skill with multiple plays that were noteworthy, such as a step-back combination.
Her performance notably astonished spectators and fans, who noted that her prowess in college basketball at Iowa seemed to be translating well to the professional ranks. Basketball fans gave Clark a lot of credit and admiration for her impressive first performance; many saw her as a genuine talent in the sport.
Aliyah With just eight points on 4-10 shooting, Boston—the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year—struggled to establish her offensive flow in a quieter game for the Fever. She did, however, manage to grab eight rebounds throughout her 30-minute game. The focus was on Clark, who demonstrated in her maiden WNBA game that she was a formidable opponent, even in spite of Boston’s performance.
Fans and experts alike were excited by Clark’s explosive debut, and many expressed faith in her capacity to have a big impact on the league. Clark seems ready to maintain her stellar trajectory as she moves from the collegiate to the professional arena.
In order to show that her skill is limitless, Clark plans to capitalize on her excellent start in the next preseason games and win victories for the Indiana Fever.
