“Maybe people want more beef!” Record-breaker Caitlin Clark gives NBA commissioner two cents on viewership decline
Caitlin Clark suggested that the lack of physicality in the NBA currently is the reason behind the NBA's decline in viewership and ratings.
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Caitlin Clark dishes on why the NBA's rating are declining
Caitlin Clark, one of basketball’s most electrifying talents, has made waves on and off the court. Fresh off a breakout year that saw her rise to prominence in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, Clark weighed in on a topic that has basketball enthusiasts buzzing: the reason behind the NBA’s declining viewership. Her comments came during an appearance on the New Heights podcast.
The popular podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce saw Caitlin Clark as their latest guest, where she shared her thoughts on what might be behind the ratings slump. When asked why NBA ratings have dipped, Clark didn’t pinpoint a single issue but instead targeted the misconceptions about the league’s players.
The physicality of the league has changed a lot. I wasn’t around when it was much more physical. Maybe people want more beef and physicality and people think it [play] has gone soft. I think the skill has just changed. … It’s gonna be different than when MJ played. It’s gonna be different in 10 years than it is now.
Caitlin Clark said on the podcast
Caitlin Clark on the NBA viewership‼️‼️#FeverRising #WNBA pic.twitter.com/NqqJtmyNnD
— Krysta (@Krysta____) January 2, 2025
Clark especially spoke about the skill level of today’s NBA athletes, arguing that their immense talent often makes their performances seem effortless. She also tackled concerns about the evolution of the game and offered her perspective on what fans may find lacking in today’s NBA, as the league struggles with a multitude of reasons for its declining ratings.
Clark has been outspoken about her feelings about improving the game, and she even advocated for the addition of a 4-point line in basketball. Having been the catalyst of a major rise in viewership for the WNBA and women’s basketball over the past couple of years, Caitlin Clark certainly knows a thing or two about skyrocketing ratings.
Caitlin Clark reveals ‘weird’ recruitment tactics used on her
While the NBA discussion was a highlight, Caitlin Clark also shared personal anecdotes about her journey to stardom, particularly her experiences with the college recruitment process. As someone who received her first recruiting letter in 7th grade, she offered unique insights into how recruitment has evolved, although not always for the better.
It’s honestly sad. Where college recruitment has gone, it’s kind of insane.
Caitlin Clark said during the podcast
Caitlin Clark revealed that her parents shielded her from the frenzy early on, with her brother tasked with collecting the mail to ensure she wasn’t overwhelmed. This approach allowed her to enjoy her childhood before diving into the high-pressure world of college sports. She also shared that she didn’t take her first college visit until after her freshman year of high school.
That is a stark contrast to today’s environment, where social media often amplifies recruitment experiences, as was on display during Bryce James’ recent recruitment process. Her reflections on the recruitment process speak to the increasing pressure young athletes face today.
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Armaan Gupta
(324 Articles Published)