Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, has urged basketball fans and the public to offer greater respect to WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese for their substantial contributions to the league over the past two seasons. As the WNBA approaches its All-Star weekend, both players have become prominent figures in discussions about the league, albeit facing varying opinions.
Arenas expressed his views during a recent episode of his podcast, stating, “The WNBA conversation is so weird,” highlighting the necessity to acknowledge the significant uptick in viewership that both Clark and Reese have brought. He pointed out that prior to their arrival, the league’s viewership numbers weren’t as high. “They’re coming in with a fanbase,” he noted, drawing a parallel to the music industry where new artists often arrive with pre-existing popularity.
This emphasis on fan engagement is timely, considering the intense scrutiny both players have faced since their high-profile Women’s Final Four matchup in 2023, where Reese’s Louisiana State University triumphed over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. With Clark being selected as the number one pick in the 2024 draft and Reese the seventh, their subsequent WNBA matchups have captured the audience’s attention, significantly boosting the league’s viewership.
In 2024, a playoff game featuring Clark’s Indiana Fever against the Connecticut Sun drew 1.8 million viewers, while another matchup on ABC and ESPN attracted even more attention with 2.5 million viewers. Reese has also played a pivotal role in increasing the profile of the WNBA by showcasing her skills as a rebounder and scorer for the Chicago Sky. Her influence was further cemented when she was featured on the cover of the WNBA Edition of NBA 2K26.
Arenas emphasized that rather than denigrating others, recognition and support for the players’ achievements should be the focus. “You don’t need to sit there and throw dirt on me. I didn’t ask for it, I’m just the one that was granted with the light,” he remarked. His call for respect underscores the vital role that up-and-coming players like Clark and Reese play in elevating the league and expanding its fanbase, creating a hopeful atmosphere for the future of women’s basketball.
The contributions of Clark and Reese illustrate how talent and fan engagement can indeed reshape narratives within sports, suggesting a bright future for the WNBA as more viewers tune in to witness the growth and excitement surrounding these remarkable athletes.