WNBA Faces Backlash for Missed Opportunity with Caitlin Clark—”It’s Not Rocket Science!”

American media figure Bill Simmons has expressed his discontent with the WNBA regarding the scheduling of the initial two matches of the finals, which culminated in the New York Liberty equalizing the series at 1-1 following their victory in game two. The Liberty built a substantial lead, nearly reaching 20 points in the first half, and ultimately secured an 80-66 win thanks to Breanna Stewart’s exceptional performance, which included 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a finals-record seven steals.

This season, the WNBA has witnessed a significant surge in popularity, largely attributed to the remarkable emergence of Caitlin Clark, who earned the Rookie of the Year title following her standout campaign. Many fans, however, voiced their frustration at being compelled to switch off coverage of the finals, not due to the absence of Clark or the injured Angel Reese, but because of scheduling conflicts with the NFL. The first game commenced just 15 minutes before a highly anticipated Thursday Night Football match between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, while the second game started amidst the NFL’s busy Week 6 lineup on Sunday.

Simmons has been at the forefront of the criticism directed at the WNBA for failing to capitalize on what he describes as the “Caitlin boom.” In his podcast commentary, he lamented that the league missed an opportunity to attract a wider audience during its most crucial games, adhering instead to a schedule reminiscent of a bygone era. He noted, “I actually wanted to watch those games, and there’s no way I’m watching anything other than football on a Sunday. This isn’t rocket science.” He suggested that prime slots on Friday and Wednesday nights would better serve the league’s ambitions to become mainstream.

Despite the setbacks, Clark’s influence on WNBA viewership has been significant, shattering ratings records throughout her debut season, even as her Indiana Fever team exited the playoffs in the first round. Simmons seems to have gotten his wish for game three, which is set for 1 AM on Thursday morning—the first matchup of the series unopposed by NFL events, potentially allowing the WNBA to draw a larger audience.