Stephen A. Smith defends Caitlin Clark's value to the WNBA
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 9:36 PM
Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Stephen A. Smith responded to Emmanuel Acho’s recent claim that the WNBA would be better off without Caitlin Clark. Smith called the assertion 'absolutely insane' and emphasized Clark's significant economic impact on the league. He noted that since her arrival, the WNBA has seen increased visibility and revenue due to her presence, including improved travel conditions for players. WNBA legend Lisa Leslie also acknowledged Clark's influence, stating she has forced teams to accommodate her by moving to larger venues. Clark's dual impact on and off the court remains a focal point in discussions about the league's future.
- •Smith criticizes Acho's take on Clark's role in the WNBA
- •Smith highlights Clark's $16 million in endorsements
- •Leslie notes Clark's influence on arena sizes
- •Clark has increased WNBA attendance and media attention
- •WNBA's economic boost linked to Clark's entry
- 10:08 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Caitlin Clark did not build the WNBA’: Stephen A. Smith credits black women who made the league what it is today
- 9:36 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Caitlin Clark is the cash cow’: Stephen A. Smith says the quiet part out loud
"This WNBA season has been dominated by headlines surrounding Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. There’s been constant coverage around her emotional outbursts, her struggles from the field, her game-winners, and the way she is officiated and defended. One of the hottest takes that has stood out was when a former Fox Sports analyst said that…
"Former Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho delivered one of the hottest takes of a WNBA season that has been filled with them when he said on his Speakeasy show that the WNBA would be better off without Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. “The W, at this junction in time, would be better without Caitlin Clark,…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 10:08 PM‘Caitlin Clark did not build the WNBA’: Stephen A. Smith credits black women who made the league what it is today
This WNBA season has been dominated by headlines surrounding Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. There’s been constant coverage around her emotional outbursts, her struggles from the field, her game-winners, and the way she is officiated and defended. One of the hottest takes that has stood out was when a former Fox Sports analyst said that…
- Yahoo SportsJul 10, 2026, 9:36 PM‘Caitlin Clark is the cash cow’: Stephen A. Smith says the quiet part out loud
Former Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho delivered one of the hottest takes of a WNBA season that has been filled with them when he said on his Speakeasy show that the WNBA would be better off without Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. “The W, at this junction in time, would be better without Caitlin Clark,…
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