Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst known for his fiery takes, recently went off on a topic that has been brewing in the sports world: the WNBA’s alleged “anti-Caitlin Clark” plan. Smith, who is never one to shy away from controversy, didn’t hold back during his latest segment, as he exposed what he believes is a deliberate effort to downplay the impact of the Iowa star on the WNBA.

Smith’s comments came after reports surfaced that certain factions within the league were allegedly attempting to sideline Caitlin Clark’s influence on the women’s basketball world. The rumored plan, according to Smith, is to avoid focusing too much on Clark’s dominance and instead push other players or teams to maintain league balance and competition. For Smith, this was the last straw, and he took to his platform to expose what he sees as a disservice to Clark and her rightful place in the spotlight.

The Situation: WNBA’s Alleged Anti-Clark Agenda

Caitlin Clark, who led the Iowa Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship game in 2023 and captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere, is undoubtedly one of the most talented and marketable players in women’s basketball. Her exceptional shooting range, playmaking ability, and clutch performances have made her a household name. From the college court to the professional stage, Clark has become a superstar in a way that few female athletes ever do.

However, Smith recently alleged that certain power players within the WNBA are working behind the scenes to limit her visibility and impact on the league. According to Smith, there are concerns about Clark’s overwhelming influence potentially overshadowing other stars in the WNBA, which could shift the league’s focus too heavily on one player. Some executives and team owners, according to Smith, might be worried that Clark’s meteoric rise could create an imbalance in fan engagement and revenue distribution, especially if other franchises struggle to capture similar attention.

Smith went on to claim that some within the WNBA see Clark’s popularity as a “problem” and are reportedly working to divert attention away from her, especially during the early stages of her career. The suspicion is that the league’s leadership may be concerned about too much emphasis on Clark, fearing that it could alienate other stars or even create an over-reliance on one player.

Stephen A. Smith’s Reaction: ‘This Is Ridiculous!’

As expected, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back. He took to his usual platform, “First Take,” to unload on what he described as “the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” With his signature blend of anger and passion, Smith made it clear that he feels the WNBA is making a major mistake by trying to suppress Clark’s impact.

“This is absurd! Absolutely absurd! Caitlin Clark is one of the most exciting and marketable athletes in the world, not just in women’s basketball but in all of sports right now!” Smith exclaimed during the broadcast. “The WNBA has an opportunity to make history, to capitalize on the undeniable rise of a true superstar, and they want to act like she’s some kind of threat? This is just ridiculous.”

Smith also pointed out that the idea of trying to suppress Clark’s stardom goes against the basic principles of sports entertainment. “In any league, in any sport, you want to highlight your superstars. You want to make your stars the face of the league. And that’s exactly what Caitlin Clark is right now: a superstar. To try to downplay her influence because you’re worried about other players? That’s not how you grow a league. It’s just plain wrong.”

The WNBA’s Dilemma: Balancing Individual Stardom and League Growth

The WNBA finds itself in a delicate balancing act. While it has made significant strides in the past few years, growing the league’s visibility and fanbase, there are still concerns about revenue, media coverage, and the league’s ability to compete with other major sports leagues. The WNBA has long faced challenges when it comes to marketing its stars effectively, and Caitlin Clark’s sudden explosion into stardom presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the league.

On one hand, Clark’s unprecedented college career has brought a massive influx of attention to women’s basketball. Her highlights have gone viral, her interviews have captivated fans, and she’s become a role model for young athletes everywhere. The WNBA would be remiss not to capitalize on that and make Clark one of the faces of the league. She has the potential to help boost attendance, sponsorships, and media coverage for women’s basketball like few others can.

However, there is the issue of competition within the league. Players like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart are also among the top stars of the WNBA, and the league might fear that too much attention on Clark could overshadow the other talent that is equally deserving of recognition. This could lead to a situation where Clark’s star power becomes the focal point, leaving little room for the other stars to shine or for teams to build their own legacies. There’s also the concern that a disproportionate focus on Clark could make it harder for the league to establish a broader fanbase.

But Smith is adamant that these fears are misplaced.

“Caitlin Clark isn’t a problem. She’s an opportunity! She’s exactly what the WNBA needs,” Smith said, shaking his head. “You know who the problem is? The problem is the league trying to hold her back when they should be embracing her. The WNBA should be putting Clark front and center. That’s the only way you’re going to grow the game.”

The Bigger Picture: Why Clark Should Be the Face of the WNBA

Smith’s argument speaks to a broader truth in sports: star power drives the narrative. The NBA has had its share of superstars who have defined eras, from Michael Jordan to LeBron James. In the WNBA, the same potential exists for Caitlin Clark. She’s already proven herself as one of the most exciting and marketable athletes in the game. Her play on the court speaks for itself, but her ability to connect with fans and draw attention to women’s sports is something the WNBA cannot afford to ignore.

Rather than attempting to downplay Clark’s influence, the WNBA should be embracing her as the face of the future. The league’s survival and growth depend on its ability to build and market its stars, and Clark is the kind of player who can help the league reach new heights. The WNBA should be proud to have a player like Caitlin Clark, and it should be doing everything in its power to support her and amplify her presence in the league.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for the WNBA

Stephen A. Smith’s comments aren’t just a rant—they’re a call to action for the WNBA. The league needs to embrace the superstar status of Caitlin Clark and allow her to be a central figure in the league’s future. Suppressing her influence in any way will only hinder the WNBA’s growth. It’s time for the league to put aside any concerns about competition and focus on building a foundation around the talent it has.

As for Caitlin Clark, her path to greatness seems inevitable. But with the right support and the proper recognition from the league, there’s no telling how far she can go. For now, the WNBA has an opportunity to build its future around a true superstar—one who could change the landscape of women’s sports forever. Stephen A. Smith is right: It’s time to let Caitlin Clark shine.