For a league that's never turned a profit, or even really come close, the WNBA received an incredible gift with Caitlin Clark.Fan interest in seeing Clark led to an influx of revenue, viewership, and merchandise sales, to the point where the players were able to bargain for better benefits and perks, making their quality of life significantly better.
All thanks to one player.It's no secret that most of the league, from coaches, staff, other players, and even the commissioner, hate her for it.Even though Clark has done her best to avoid offending anyone's sensibilities or make controversial comments, she's among the most despised players in the sport.
Because, as has been extensively covered, of jealousy and the fact that many associate her fans with being on the political right.Clark's teammate, Sophie Cunningham, has taken a bit of a different approach.She publicly stated recently that she does not want male athletes competing in the WNBA or other levels of girls' sports.
An eminently reasonable position shared by the overwhelming majority of the American public.For having that opinion and sharing it, she immediately became public enemy number one across the league.WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AFTER SHE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTSChicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington commits a flagrant 2 foul against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Opposing players lined up to wear shirts opposing her and supporting transgender athletes.So did several opposing coaches.
Her own coach said she wasn't educated about the differences between men and women in athletics.A Seattle Storm co-owner was suspended for angrily confronting and berating a Cunningham supporter.
One player went on camera to say she'd welcome a male athlete in the WNBA to compete with or against.Apparently not realizing that enough male athletes joining the WNBA would end with her being replaced.There are now anti-Sophie Cunningh...