With the increased popularity around the WNBA, everyone has been talking about newcomer Caitlin Clark. Among the countless opinions expressed on social media is one of a tennis legend.
On Monday, June 4, 2024, Billie Jean King sent a message to the WNBA after a foul was committed on Clark. On Saturday, June 1, 2024, during the game between Chicago Sky and the Indiana Pacers, Sky’s guard Chennedy Carter had hip-checked Clark. Despite the outpour about the shot being inappropriate, Carter had refused to apologize.
In reaction to the incident, King issued a warning to the WNBA about its treatment of the 2024 no 1 draft pick. King wrote on X, about how the current generation is important to the league. She wrote the league has to set an example as children are now watching the league.
Additionally, she wrote that the current generation has the potential to increase the league’s popularity and standing. King continued advising the league not to ruin it with the constant pettiness and jealousy. She asked them to keep playing the game as professionally as possible.
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King drew similarities between Clark and Chris Evert. According to King, when Evert came to the 1971 US Open as a 16-year-old sensation there were some complaints by veterans. King claimed that she had gathered her tennis colleagues on the necessity of welcoming Evert into the sport.
She had told her fellow veterans that the increased media presence and audience was a result of Evert. She said that Evert’s popularity meant the generation of more income which is going to benefit them.
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However, she highlighted that her statement doesn’t mean they should not be competitive but they should keep it professional. Adding that it was their responsibility to ensure she was treated equally and fairly.
King had claimed that the increased popularity was because of Clark, who she referred to as the WNBA’s turning point. She said despite the history of the league and the legends it has produced, 2024 was the league’s turning point. She claimed that with Clark’s college records, there has been an increase in the sale of #22 Jersey.
King said things are good for women’s Basketball and women’s sports in general. Additionally, she claimed that the increase in media attention is fragile and they have to ensure its sustainability.
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King ended her writeup stating that regardless of people’s opinions, Clark was the reason for the public’s renewed interest in the WNBA. Her write was in response to the constant fouls Clark has been subjected to by overzealous veterans in her rookie year.
Maybe a current WNBA star will stick up for Clark like King stuck up for Evert at the 1971 U.S. Open.
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