John Salley expresses preference for WNBA over NBA basketball
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 11:40 AM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026

John Salley, a four-time NBA champion, shared his preference for the WNBA during an appearance on Lisa Guerrero's podcast, 'Unleashed.' He stated that the women's game exhibits unique drama and competitiveness that he finds appealing, particularly in light of recent media coverage surrounding stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Salley recounted a memorable moment from July 30, 2002, when Lisa Leslie's dunk inspired his lifelong appreciation for women's basketball. He criticized the NBA for its tendency toward flopping and emphasized the importance of fundamentals in the women’s game, aligning his views with fellow NBA veteran Kevin Durant. Salley's endorsement comes amid a rise in viewership for the WNBA, indicating a potential shift in attention among basketball fans.
- •John Salley prefers WNBA to NBA basketball.
- •Salley credits a 2002 Sparks game for his love of the WNBA.
- •He praises the fundamentals and competitiveness of women's basketball.
- •Salley's comments align with increased WNBA viewership.
- •Kevin Durant is also an outspoken fan of the WNBA.
- 11:40 AMYahoo Sports — “I’d Rather Watch the WNBA”: 4x Champion John Salley Reveals Why He Prefers Women’s Basketball Over NBA
"For the cornerstone of four NBA championship teams, it’s the sister league that became the future of basketball. John Salley made his stance on the WNBA very clear, and it pre-dated the Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers era.
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