WNBA Player Sophie Cunningham Says League Refuses to Protect Caitlin Clark
"They are they're definitely targeting her and and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her. Like even the people they put on the commercials, like they they could if they're really trying to make money, they are going to put people out there that first of all people want to see that people are going to bring attention to and they just don't they just don't."
About this episode
In this podcast episode, hosts discuss WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's viral defense of star player Caitlin Clark and her public criticism of the league's management. Cunningham, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, created an internet sensation by repeatedly pointing at referees without speaking after they failed to penalize opponents for physical attacks on Clark, including a throat punch. In a subsequent podcast appearance, Cunningham revealed that the WNBA and its referees consistently fail to protect Clark despite her being targeted every game, and that the league inexplicably excluded the generational talent from a 30-year commemorative poster while including less prominent players. The hosts frame Clark as the league's most valuable asset, noting she has driven unprecedented viewership and revenue growth for a WNBA that has reportedly lost a cumulative $300 million and relies on NBA subsidies. They criticize league leadership for failing to capitalize on Clark's star power through proper marketing and player protection. Cunningham's comments sparked widespread criticism of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on social media. The episode also discusses how Cunningham's pointing gesture became a widespread internet meme, including versions featuring Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The hosts characterize the situation as evidence of jealousy-driven mismanagement and suggest the league is undermining its own financial interests.
Key takeaways
- Sophie Cunningham publicly stated the WNBA and referees do nothing to protect Caitlin Clark from being physically targeted every game
- Caitlin Clark was excluded from the WNBA's 30-year commemorative poster despite being described as a generational talent driving unprecedented revenue
- The WNBA has reportedly lost a cumulative $300 million and relies on NBA owner subsidies to stay afloat
- A player who punched Clark in the throat received only a one-game suspension according to the podcast hosts
- Cunningham's silent pointing gesture at referees became a viral internet meme across multiple platforms
- Sophie Cunningham criticized the WNBA for failing to effectively market its biggest stars to maximize revenue
- The podcast hosts suggest jealousy and racial animus among players may be driving hostility toward Clark