Please get into the weeds, Sue! Not to be a nerd but I would love a 1-hour special where Sue explains how core players/salary caps/free agency etc work. I need more of this thoughtful W analysis in my life 🤓
I don't think she's allowed to because she is a part owner of a team now. She might be able to talk about past salary deals but not any current or potential future salary cap
Viewership is down during the playoffs because we have to channel hunt the games and they are (almost) all behind *multiple* paywalls. I have the League pass but I need two other subscriptions to watch the playoffs. Hope this deal gives us more “free” broadcast games. 🤞
SAS and Shannon's points are: You have a golden goose. Don't waste the opportunity! The WNBA has done a bad job of promoting itself. Treat CC well and you have a 50% growth. Treat her like you did this season and your growth is 10%. A rising tide lifts all boats. The WNBA was really lucky that CC didn't get hurt. If CC got hurt while getting hazed it would have been a very bad look. The WNBA should have declared CC off limits like the NBA did with Wemby and Lebron. Gilbert Arenas confirmed that there were consequences if you touched Lebron. Because of that the talk was often about other things than basketball. That wouldn't have happened if the focus was on CC at the Olympic games and she were protected. They are playing the results rather the actual situation. There were so many things that went wrong but they somehow survived it all. That's how powerful CC is.
Weird...my opinion is the stats might agree with you but my eyeballs don't agree! You know, I watched (as you probably did) the Olympic tournament and it seemed pretty clear to me that it was 1. Aja and 1B. Stewie and then a significant gap to 3. Collier. That said, the WNBA stats for Collier absolutely did merit her being #2 in the MVP voting! Obviously, the finals will be interesting to see Stewie and Phee in a 5 game series.
I hope the Aces stay together! That team has the best personalities and camaraderie of any team I’ve seen. Syd colson kills me🤣 I would like to see her play more and another season of the Syd and TP show🤣🤣
Same! I'm hoping Plum not resigning yet is her wanting to get cored so she can get that designation out of the way early in her career (like how it seems like Stewie is doing with the Liberty) but Callie Fin who covers the Aces said they noticed KP was getting very emotional in the last team huddle on Sunday's game. I think if Syd, AC or Tiff Hayes want to come back, they would be welcome to but it's up to them if they want to retire.
I rarely comment on videos but I absolutely love the thoughts and questions that this podcast raises (within and beyond the realm of sports) so this comment is gonna be an absolute novel. 1. Apologies for cross referencing this with the last episode - the attention that this rookie class has received is absolutely mind blowing. Like Sue said in the last episode, college basketball has always had a different type of following, but I think the real difference here is the fact that NIL has not only just allowed these athletes to (finally!) profit off of their talent, but has also allowed these players to become so visible and a household name via social media and endorsements. This newfound presence allows average viewers to feel like they know these players - they're "friends" on social media, right? - and when these players transition to an organization like the WNBA, their followers feel this sense of protection that camouflages itself as camaraderie. These new viewers (that includes Barkley and Stephen A Smith 🙄) are obsessing over Caitlin but that's because viewers didn't get a chance to "befriend" players like Sue or Stewie on social media and look at their lives behind the scenes. We only saw you guys play for UConn, we didn't see you practicing, going on trips, or just being relatable college students. Conversely, the social media side of their fame can easily make a beloved person into an "evil" one if their views don't align with their audience (I.e. Caitlin liking Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris). I couldn't believe the onslaught of negativity she endured for that! 2. The A'ja/Plum conversation took such a wild spin because it was a black woman acknowledging white privilege, whereas a speech that Paige made at the ESPYs acknowledging her own privilege years ago is met with nothing but positivity and respect. It's so weird to me that this is the exact same conversation but completely misconstrued. 3. I agree with Sue that the use of the word "protect" just instills fear; it's all about semantics and it's all about power. There should never be a debate about a person's BEING. Ever. To have this conversation about children is just evil. How could you deny the sense of accomplishment and togetherness that sports allows? Trans children are just as worthy and just as deserving to participate in a healthy childhood as non trans children are. In the professional case, i've found that in most conversations politicians insinuate that a trans woman athlete would automatically dominate any given sport that they play in. Absolutely false. These athletes are not dominate because they're trans, in 99% of cases they're dominate because just like non trans athletes, they put the fucking work in! 4. An off pod topic, but I have to tell Megan how much the Knix ad means to me. I got my first period on my last day of basketball tryouts when I was in middle school; I was absolutely gutted when I didn't make the team. I lived and breathed basketball so the fact that I didn't make the team really felt like my identity had been completely stripped from me. I asked the coach why I didn't make it and he said to me, "you were really good until you fell apart on the last day of tryouts. We need consistency and you crumbled." and I felt like such a failure. I couldn't tell THIS MAN that I got my period for the first time? I could barely even tell my mother! Needless to say as a 13 year old, I took his words to heart and it felt like my body betrayed me. I never participated in sports again because of the embarrassment and affirmative comments made by the coach. I wish that ad was around when I was young. So sorry for blabbing. If you made it this far, thanks for listening to my TED Talk.
Appreciate this convo. The Chicago Sky was not met at their bus by some crazed Fever fan like they tried to suggest. There is video footage - it was paparazzi and he even said “Ms. Carter”. I think the fixation on viewership numbers stems from pushback in the media about CC being a needle mover. For example, people who have been covering the WNBA like Natalie Esquire, Frankie, Roberta R never give CC her flowers and it’s frustrating. They’ve actually shown more disdain for her, if any coverage. It’s obviously hard to measure her impact, but CC definitely brought a lot of new fans (and sports betters like my husband) to the WNBA who are now watching other teams/players. My family never watched a WNBA game prior to this season, and now we rarely miss one if games don’t overlap. A rising tide lifts all boats.
I have no problem saying the league has grown by 5-10% this year if you remove CC. The problem is there has also been massive growth *because* of CC and people denying it or saying its all these players etcetc has lead some social media people to fight that narrative. And now you guys make it sound like they are doing it to put down players, when it always seemed to be CC being put down and they are defending her.
Hey ladies I love the show! Just an fyi. The Valkaries did not sell out their season tickets. They sold 17,000 $25 deposits. Just noticed it was mentioned right when you guys were making a point about how important it is for everyone else to get their facts straight.
Agreed! I followed CC and Reese to the league, but fell in love with the game of so many players. The W was already growing and will continue to grow because of multiple stories and players. The semifinals had me locked in and they were competing with NFL and MLB. I attended the final Mystics vs Fever game and it was great. But I’m also considering buying a ticket to the Finals if I can at Barclays. People are intentionally being dismissive of the other great talents when CC is interjected into conversations that have nothing to do with her.
There's a difference between competing with other sports and not even covering the sport. If you watch ESPN morning shows from 8am-12pm, they spend 95% on just football. They gave MLB playoffs literally 2 minutes of coverage in a 4 hour span and most of that coverage had a football analyst rambling about random baseball terms. I love watching NFL but it shows why WNBA has had trouble trying to breakthrough - their own broadcast partner doesn't value it enough to promote the sport.
@@SJP45 really? But we’re supposed to care about nasty emails and a guy with a cellphone asking questions in front of a bus but not a 22 year old girl who receives more hate than anyone who has to walk around with security 24/7? Yeah ok 🙀
@@rbb.828 funny because Caitlin doesn’t receive outward hate at all she has security because of her crazy ass fans. I didn’t see all this uproar when Angel has to do the same but there have been death treats to her. Like I said airline is good. Stop putting her out to be a damsel in distress she’s ok! And she’s tough. Fans like you need to go away .
@@SJP45 The only fans that harassed players IRL were sun fans but that doesn’t fit your narratives. I have seen death threats against her on Twitter and much worse. you’re delusional and blind ✌🏾
@@SJP45 The only fans that harassed players IRL were sun fans but that doesn’t fit your narratives. I have seen d3ath threats against her on Twitter and much worse. you’re delusional and blind ✌🏾
Nobody is leaving Aces, not money related. Those shady deals they have with Las Vegas city. Im happy women are making money but its like they're bypassing salary cap that way
Sue! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 you are spot on about the issues with some of the ESPN male journalists and the negative/controversial narratives that they want to push when it comes to the WNBA/Caitlin, compared to Lebron/NBA. These were my exact sentiments too. And I hate how a large portion of social media turned A'ja into a villian over NOTHING. They seriously lake critical thinking skills because WHITE PRIVELAGE EXIST no matter how hard somebody has worked. That's just society. The people who got offended by that and choose to be blind are part of the problem. Thanks so much for speaking on behalf of the WNBA players as a former All Star yourself. It is needed in these times 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I love listening to you so much. I always leave in awe of the endless patience with which you talk about the coverage of womens sports. Thank you for providing context and sharing your knowledge and experience ❤
I came back to the WNBA because had been following Caitlin Clark since high school. But still watched the playoffs because I had been watching ALL the WNBA games this year through my WNBA Leaugue Pass and the games played on ESPN and ABC and CBS... but the credit still goes to Caitlin because she brought my family and all their TVs here....
I don't have time to find the time stamp but if not in this episode, definitely in the previous. It's actually part of her main point that every team attendance is up across the board...
I think anybody that is excellent at what they do loves it, has some passion for it as well as it being a means to make a living and/or impact. I believe any individual can get distracted by outside noise; each individual needs to find their own balance to be able to continue performing at a high level. I am not a professional athlete; I am speaking from my career as a nurse for over 30 years. Additionally being strong independent women has a whole other set of distractions from a male dominated society. I enjoy the podcast...
Love your podcasts! Just wanted to share some thoughts. As a Canadian, coverage of the WNBA has not been great, however the Caitlin Clark affect has brought more access on TSN and Sportsnet. While we have had access through the WNBA App, it is telling that international coverage has increased. We specifically enjoy watching teams like the Lynx, Liberty, Aces, Storm, Wings and the Fever because the ball is great without the cheap shots. Love the hustle and aggressive play and the great sportsmanship amongst those teams. As a coach and someone that loves the game it is my hope that the WNBA works to improve the atmosphere and sense of community amongst members in the league. Interested in your thoughts.
While I agree that Paige is one of Minnesota’s best, Lindsay Whalen holds that top spot until Paige can eclipse 4 WNBA titles for the Lynx. Not being nitpicky, but Whalen will always have a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans. ✌️💙🏀
Sue & Megan: why are you saying the death threats are bad for DiJonai Carrington but not acknowledging that Caitlin has gone through this since she was in college? We saw the horrible posts her senior year. But people here writing on your site saying it does not happen to Caitlin. Caitlin just does not talk about it. She also, has never said anything negative about anyone even the people that are saying negative things about her and baiting her online to speak about things plus posting skits to make fun of Caitlin like DiJonai Carrington just did...
I’m with Sue on the sun. I live in New York and we have winter pretty much 5-6 months out of the year. When I am on vacation I’m outside in the sun as soon as possible. Give me a good book to read and leave me alone. I do use a lot of sunscreen as well. My sport is tennis so I can play indoors and outdoors. 54:35 Good bicker this week ☀️⭐️😮
I love this show. I came to the WNBA this year following of course, Caitlin Clark. But I found other players and teams I like. Of course I am a Fever fan. I live in Texas. Now one thing I noticed is the refs are horrible and inconsistent on the same game no matter which teams are playing. One team can get mauled with no fouls but they can get called for just brushing a player. Saw this in the semi finals also. The WNBA needs to clean this up as fans really notice the lack of quality of the refs.
Fans will always be extra sensitive about the team and players they root for. Fans of a team in any league, not just the W say “the refs need to change” when those they root for are knocked down. It happens every season in the NBA. Last year a big convo was how “unfair” the refs and media are to Ky, how obviously they favor LeBron and give him all the room in the world and every free throw possible, yet the Mavs made it to the finals and the lakers didn’t. Ky choked in the finals and it had nothing to do with the calls, same with how CC’s rook season ended. If you start watching already believing the W is unfair to CC for this reason or that, then it’s all you’re gonna see, whether it’s really there or not.
@@TF-vb9us That sounds to me like gaslighting. Yeah I saw some bad referreeing; but thats not so important to me. It seemed to be clearly targeted at CC, but other players got it. But I thought I saw games were the refs were clearly "fair" - meaning they called the same fouls on both teams - but also a few that were very one sided. Just saying we are all blind and its just because we are fans doesn't track. Here is my main one. All season I heard the commentators say "any hit to the head is an automatic review". Then in the playoffs, DC strikes CC with the nails, CC rolling on the ground clutching her face - no review. Not doing what is supposed to be an "automatic" review is not just a problem because I am a fan.
If i had cable or ESPN2 i would have watched but i did watch later on the wnba app. Curious though why the Lynx sells out their home ‘lower bowl’ but doesn’t open the upper sections and sell those tickets? My guess is they dont have the staff for parking, food, etc for handling the larger crowds? Anyways they have otherwise locked their attendance to 8500 fans only.
What matters the most mvp or championship because I think Aja focused much on getting the mvp for not winning last year the mvp.Aces are so much focus on Aja on offense not like there 2 championship the scoring is balance
@tianna2030 yeah, it is weird that there is an idea out there (I think it's just clark fans that don't really know basketball tbh...and i don't mean that to sound disrespectful!) that wilson was scoring *too many* points! It is kinda insane! I mean she plays hard and does historically well and she is just accused of playing to win the mvp?!? To me, that is ridiculous. She plays to win the game.
Related to the viewership numbers conversation- some of the WNBA semifinals games were on ESPN 2 and the times of the games weren't announced until ~48 hrs out of tip off. It's almost like they weren't set up for success. It goes back to historical investment, marketing, lack of resources, accessibility, etc. And you can't truly compare current men's sports to current women's sports because men's sports have had such a large head start (years of investment, marketing, resources, accessibility).
Totally agree about the numbers thing. A lot of disingenuous interlopers stirring sht. Not that ya'll are reading this, but I was one of the peeps who @'d you both last week. No hashtags, and it received a few profile visits. I imagine one of you saw it. It was probably me going in a bit hard on the Dijonai thing or the extreme identity politics going on. The division. The fracturing. I think it gets painful for people after a while. Anyhoo, I felt bad and deleted the tweet. It was just angry in tenor, and that's not how I like to be. There are no moderate, knowledgeable voices in this space. And it's hard to get good info and perspective. That's why, despite our political differences, I have previously enjoyed tuning in. Occasionally, I just feel like you guys sometimes infantalize grown people and give them blanket cover from any criticism. They can do no wrong, and they can't be individually held to any account. Or question. Or really anything. It's just instant "racism" every time.
Yeah but some of the Chicago players themselves lied about that bus incident and said there were a bunch of fever fans & your favorite coach geno spoke about this and disrespected the fever fans about this. Yet, come to find out it was only maybe 3 or 4 people and 1 of them was a reporter bcuz they had a camera and everything & addressed chennedy Carter as miss Carter. So when players constantly are accusing fever fans just to get attention bcuz obviously some are lieing as evidenced with that sky incident ,dont always believe every antifever fan player as tho they won't lie about it
The truth is ... the Aces were easy to root against ... honest. Wilson sounds like a crybaby..talking about White Privilage... she went to private school!
Remove Caitlan in WNBA and put him in any league and it will sold out.How about the W without Caitlin and let see the result.Caitlin is like Messi and Renaldo.Her fans still follow her.Caitlin is already a brand internationally
Its amazing the outrage is not about the sharp nails and the potential eye poke, but about the player being asked about it. At the start of the season Chennedy Carter called CC a B and knocked her down - the ball was not even in play. Clearly intentional. Also the Sky players clearly celebrated the hit. Because of this I do now believe WNBA players will intentionally harm other players just to win a BBall game, and that they will celebrate it. So I don't see why someone should not be asked about this. Its clearly happened before. This season. To CC. Also the refs were terrible. All season commentators have said "any hit to the head is an AUTOMATIC review". CC is rolling around clutching her face...and no review...rigged.
@tianna2030 you know that's not happening, right? They will likely not have the first pick (expansion teams haven't been granted it, previously) and bueckers will almost certainly go #1. So that means mystics, wings, sky, or sparks (or do the sky not own the rights to their pick? I think i may hay heard that???).
At the end of the day, it’s really pointless. to mention the viewership without Caitlyn Women because what are people supposed to do? If she’s not in the playoffs, she’s not in the playoffs. Are we suggesting that she should be in the playoffs even if her team doesn’t make it? What’s the point of even making a comment. Probably the reason they don’t mention it for the men’s game is because it’s such a pointless comment. If LeBron doesn’t make it into the playoffs, there’s no need to talk about the ownership for LeBron.
Could not disagree with you more about trans in women's sports. It is about fairness. Girls ARE being affected and I'm not trying to get any votes. let all the trans players play in men's sports. No one will question if they win there.
Thanks again for your work this week. I refuse to get on Twitter because of it's owner and the incredibly negative swamp it has become. So no followers. :) Since I was one of the people last week who mentioned the A'ja - prejudice clip, my response to your comments is that A'ja has a blind spot when it comes to prejudice in the WNBA. I think most CC fans think there is a substantial reverse prejudice in the WNBA. Thanks again. So happy you strayed into NWSL territory with the Sinclair retirement. And I'm laughing out loud at the bicker of the week.
lol love how they had to make sure to touch base on the wnba viewership numbers. Omg this is absolutely a product of the wnba right here it’s so biased in the way that the wanna leads this league! Whyyyyy do people hate that it’s so obvious that Caitlin comes in and that’s the reason there’s attention in the league. Just let it be that stop Trying to fight it and stick up for the league. Geesus!! CC brought an overall larger look to the wnba in general nevertheless it’s the intent behind bringing it up. You guys are so anti Caitlin like everyone else and that’s the problem! I’m sorry that’s just what it is!! There’s a lot of women and men talking about this right now I’ve seen black women black men Hispanic Asian Indian men and women all Of the above the MAJORITY of social media which is America as a whole does believe these women are catty and don’t like the attention Caitlin got and there was a ton of hate towards her and it was clear!! How hard should it have been for when asked about Caitlin women in the league say, yes she’s amazing can’t wait to see what she does. Andddd then move on?!!! But they couldn’t grown professional women in this league and or in the media putting in their two cents as why she’s not as amazing as everyone thinks she is or nickel and diming her game or even character for whatever reason!! Which come on what else is the reason??? I’m so over all of this! Y’all act like racism towards white women doesn’t exist in that league!!! I’m so over this white people have privilege this is a black dominated league! The white women have to fight harder have more hate geared towards them and frankly outside of Caitlin the white women in the league that are good aren’t allowed to say they’re good unless they’re screaming to the entire world that they are nothing and black Women in the league are all better than them like this is crazy annoying that yall are this brain washed! I was and am all against racism and hate and I understand privilege but this… this is not that!!!!!! This is different! This league literally cherishes black Women they’re rallying around a woman who intentionally so very much so intentionally hitCaitlin Clark a white woman in the eye!! Even after she went on social media to reenact a scene with her gf about hitting her in the eye and it being an accident literally Mocking the entire situation!!! She jolted nothing but hate towards Caitlin for months even years prior to her coming into the league like a child spewing hate about her on social media and not only that I have like ten screenshots of things dijonae posted on her twitter/X that was racist!!! Racist pictures she posted and racist things she said about white people!!! I just wish yall would be real and honest and not come out and spew all of this nonsense in the name of black women and the league!!! Dijonae Carrington grew up with money lots of it and so did Aja they both had the sky as the limit! Yes I’m sure they experienced racism one time or another but it’s absolutely insane to go around thinking that black women don’t exhibit hate and racism towards white wpeople!! This is 2024 things have changed!! Things have evolved and when you’re talking about women black women in this league it is far from a toxic environment!! The league literally fights for them and cherishes them over white star players!!! Imagine working your ass off and being marginally better than all of those around you and being told you need to go around making sure you tell the world your game could never be as amazing as Aja Wilson’s or Dijonae Carrington’s bc you have privilege and that’s the real true reason you’re there and successful like what in the entire heckkkk I have to be in the twilight zone!!!! Bc this is off the freaking wall!!!!
you act like caitlen is still in college. why did carrington snd smith tweet about poking the eye? i hoped caitlen leaves the wnba because covering up the eye poke while smith and carrington continue to make fun of it is abuse.
Wnba numbers are up because of the new fans CC brought into this wild catfight of a league. Too bad the same can't be said for your pod's numbers. Still under 10k subs...Ouch!!
Please get into the weeds, Sue! Not to be a nerd but I would love a 1-hour special where Sue explains how core players/salary caps/free agency etc work. I need more of this thoughtful W analysis in my life 🤓
This. especially with all the new fans its almost needed lol
I don't think she's allowed to because she is a part owner of a team now. She might be able to talk about past salary deals but not any current or potential future salary cap
Lmfaoo you need someone to explain how a 50k salary works 😂😂😂
😂😂😂 sue bird in your dreams!! Cc is the reason okay period!!!
I wish people wouldn’t normalize hate, threats, racism ect as part of the job. Instead of expecting people to be better!!
What's ect?
Viewership is down during the playoffs because we have to channel hunt the games and they are (almost) all behind *multiple* paywalls. I have the League pass but I need two other subscriptions to watch the playoffs. Hope this deal gives us more “free” broadcast games. 🤞
SAS and Shannon's points are: You have a golden goose. Don't waste the opportunity! The WNBA has done a bad job of promoting itself. Treat CC well and you have a 50% growth. Treat her like you did this season and your growth is 10%. A rising tide lifts all boats.
The WNBA was really lucky that CC didn't get hurt. If CC got hurt while getting hazed it would have been a very bad look. The WNBA should have declared CC off limits like the NBA did with Wemby and Lebron. Gilbert Arenas confirmed that there were consequences if you touched Lebron. Because of that the talk was often about other things than basketball. That wouldn't have happened if the focus was on CC at the Olympic games and she were protected. They are playing the results rather the actual situation.
There were so many things that went wrong but they somehow survived it all. That's how powerful CC is.
You don’t lost your damn mind. Every women in the WNBA is the golden goose. Not one player.
What about Napheesa Collier, arguably as good as Aja and Stewie
I hope Phee and Caitlin play together one day, and soon. The old guard wont know WHAAAAAT to do 😅❤
Weird...my opinion is the stats might agree with you but my eyeballs don't agree! You know, I watched (as you probably did) the Olympic tournament and it seemed pretty clear to me that it was 1. Aja and 1B. Stewie and then a significant gap to 3. Collier.
That said, the WNBA stats for Collier absolutely did merit her being #2 in the MVP voting!
Obviously, the finals will be interesting to see Stewie and Phee in a 5 game series.
The Olympics probably hurt the Aces more than any other team because their core four didn’t get any rest while most of the rest of the league did.
I hope the Aces stay together! That team has the best personalities and camaraderie of any team I’ve seen. Syd colson kills me🤣 I would like to see her play more and another season of the Syd and TP show🤣🤣
Same! I'm hoping Plum not resigning yet is her wanting to get cored so she can get that designation out of the way early in her career (like how it seems like Stewie is doing with the Liberty) but Callie Fin who covers the Aces said they noticed KP was getting very emotional in the last team huddle on Sunday's game. I think if Syd, AC or Tiff Hayes want to come back, they would be welcome to but it's up to them if they want to retire.
“I do not care… GO STORM” yess Susan! Seattle forever ⚡️
Admin please add chapters
I rarely comment on videos but I absolutely love the thoughts and questions that this podcast raises (within and beyond the realm of sports) so this comment is gonna be an absolute novel.
1. Apologies for cross referencing this with the last episode - the attention that this rookie class has received is absolutely mind blowing. Like Sue said in the last episode, college basketball has always had a different type of following, but I think the real difference here is the fact that NIL has not only just allowed these athletes to (finally!) profit off of their talent, but has also allowed these players to become so visible and a household name via social media and endorsements. This newfound presence allows average viewers to feel like they know these players - they're "friends" on social media, right? - and when these players transition to an organization like the WNBA, their followers feel this sense of protection that camouflages itself as camaraderie. These new viewers (that includes Barkley and Stephen A Smith 🙄) are obsessing over Caitlin but that's because viewers didn't get a chance to "befriend" players like Sue or Stewie on social media and look at their lives behind the scenes. We only saw you guys play for UConn, we didn't see you practicing, going on trips, or just being relatable college students.
Conversely, the social media side of their fame can easily make a beloved person into an "evil" one if their views don't align with their audience (I.e. Caitlin liking Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris). I couldn't believe the onslaught of negativity she endured for that!
2. The A'ja/Plum conversation took such a wild spin because it was a black woman acknowledging white privilege, whereas a speech that Paige made at the ESPYs acknowledging her own privilege years ago is met with nothing but positivity and respect. It's so weird to me that this is the exact same conversation but completely misconstrued.
3. I agree with Sue that the use of the word "protect" just instills fear; it's all about semantics and it's all about power. There should never be a debate about a person's BEING. Ever. To have this conversation about children is just evil. How could you deny the sense of accomplishment and togetherness that sports allows? Trans children are just as worthy and just as deserving to participate in a healthy childhood as non trans children are.
In the professional case, i've found that in most conversations politicians insinuate that a trans woman athlete would automatically dominate any given sport that they play in. Absolutely false. These athletes are not dominate because they're trans, in 99% of cases they're dominate because just like non trans athletes, they put the fucking work in!
4. An off pod topic, but I have to tell Megan how much the Knix ad means to me. I got my first period on my last day of basketball tryouts when I was in middle school; I was absolutely gutted when I didn't make the team. I lived and breathed basketball so the fact that I didn't make the team really felt like my identity had been completely stripped from me.
I asked the coach why I didn't make it and he said to me, "you were really good until you fell apart on the last day of tryouts. We need consistency and you crumbled." and I felt like such a failure. I couldn't tell THIS MAN that I got my period for the first time? I could barely even tell my mother! Needless to say as a 13 year old, I took his words to heart and it felt like my body betrayed me. I never participated in sports again because of the embarrassment and affirmative comments made by the coach. I wish that ad was around when I was young.
So sorry for blabbing. If you made it this far, thanks for listening to my TED Talk.
Correction. The NBA finals last year did get shit on for lower viewers.
I came here to say exactly this.
Appreciate this convo.
The Chicago Sky was not met at their bus by some crazed Fever fan like they tried to suggest. There is video footage - it was paparazzi and he even said “Ms. Carter”.
I think the fixation on viewership numbers stems from pushback in the media about CC being a needle mover. For example, people who have been covering the WNBA like Natalie Esquire, Frankie, Roberta R never give CC her flowers and it’s frustrating. They’ve actually shown more disdain for her, if any coverage.
It’s obviously hard to measure her impact, but CC definitely brought a lot of new fans (and sports betters like my husband) to the WNBA who are now watching other teams/players. My family never watched a WNBA game prior to this season, and now we rarely miss one if games don’t overlap. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Exactly. These clowns are spreading misinformation, and no one is even trying to correct it.
I have no problem saying the league has grown by 5-10% this year if you remove CC. The problem is there has also been massive growth *because* of CC and people denying it or saying its all these players etcetc has lead some social media people to fight that narrative. And now you guys make it sound like they are doing it to put down players, when it always seemed to be CC being put down and they are defending her.
Hey ladies I love the show! Just an fyi. The Valkaries did not sell out their season tickets. They sold 17,000 $25 deposits. Just noticed it was mentioned right when you guys were making a point about how important it is for everyone else to get their facts straight.
Agreed! I followed CC and Reese to the league, but fell in love with the game of so many players. The W was already growing and will continue to grow because of multiple stories and players. The semifinals had me locked in and they were competing with NFL and MLB.
I attended the final Mystics vs Fever game and it was great. But I’m also considering buying a ticket to the Finals if I can at Barclays. People are intentionally being dismissive of the other great talents when CC is interjected into conversations that have nothing to do with her.
There's a difference between competing with other sports and not even covering the sport. If you watch ESPN morning shows from 8am-12pm, they spend 95% on just football. They gave MLB playoffs literally 2 minutes of coverage in a 4 hour span and most of that coverage had a football analyst rambling about random baseball terms. I love watching NFL but it shows why WNBA has had trouble trying to breakthrough - their own broadcast partner doesn't value it enough to promote the sport.
Wow, living a lie? You go girl
Are you able to get Caitlin on your show, I believe your show is a safe space for her to chat about her year.
Please stop acting like Caitlin is in danger. She’s fine and can handle herself. Y’all are sickening.
@@SJP45 really? But we’re supposed to care about nasty emails and a guy with a cellphone asking questions in front of a bus but not a 22 year old girl who receives more hate than anyone who has to walk around with security 24/7? Yeah ok 🙀
@@rbb.828 funny because Caitlin doesn’t receive outward hate at all she has security because of her crazy ass fans. I didn’t see all this uproar when Angel has to do the same but there have been death treats to her. Like I said airline is good. Stop putting her out to be a damsel in distress she’s ok! And she’s tough. Fans like you need to go away .
@@SJP45
The only fans that harassed players IRL were sun fans but that doesn’t fit your narratives. I have seen death threats against her on Twitter and much worse. you’re delusional and blind ✌🏾
@@SJP45 The only fans that harassed players IRL were sun fans but that doesn’t fit your narratives. I have seen d3ath threats against her on Twitter and much worse. you’re delusional and blind ✌🏾
Nobody is leaving Aces, not money related. Those shady deals they have with Las Vegas city. Im happy women are making money but its like they're bypassing salary cap that way
Sue! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 you are spot on about the issues with some of the ESPN male journalists and the negative/controversial narratives that they want to push when it comes to the WNBA/Caitlin, compared to Lebron/NBA. These were my exact sentiments too. And I hate how a large portion of social media turned A'ja into a villian over NOTHING. They seriously lake critical thinking skills because WHITE PRIVELAGE EXIST no matter how hard somebody has worked. That's just society. The people who got offended by that and choose to be blind are part of the problem. Thanks so much for speaking on behalf of the WNBA players as a former All Star yourself. It is needed in these times 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I love listening to you so much. I always leave in awe of the endless patience with which you talk about the coverage of womens sports. Thank you for providing context and sharing your knowledge and experience ❤
I love these conversations. P.S. The W Rules and um, LET'S GO LYNX!!
I came back to the WNBA because had been following Caitlin Clark since high school. But still watched the playoffs because I had been watching ALL the WNBA games this year through my WNBA Leaugue Pass and the games played on ESPN and ABC and CBS... but the credit still goes to Caitlin because she brought my family and all their TVs here....
Thankful for this perspective! 🙏🏾
Sue and Megan, thank you so much. As a trans woman myself, I'm happy to hear you two standing up for us.
Bring on the sun ☀️#TeamSue
I love being in the sun but something about cooling off under the umbrella!!
you are precisely correct, why do you see or witness in sport history that closing to the finals, the viewership declines?
The Bicker of the Week song goes hard 🔥
Love, Love, Love the Aces vibe
You two are always dressed so nicely you are like fashion icons 😍
Are you claiming that the average WNBA attendance in the pat 5 years, by team, is the same as this year was? Surely not.
Of course she is ...
pretty sure they say the opposite.....
I don't have time to find the time stamp but if not in this episode, definitely in the previous. It's actually part of her main point that every team attendance is up across the board...
always enjoy you both!
I think anybody that is excellent at what they do loves it, has some passion for it as well as it being a means to make a living and/or impact. I believe any individual can get distracted by outside noise; each individual needs to find their own balance to be able to continue performing at a high level. I am not a professional athlete; I am speaking from my career as a nurse for over 30 years. Additionally being strong independent women has a whole other set of distractions from a male dominated society. I enjoy the podcast...
Love Sue always wearing her Storm hat!! You are the Storm always!
Love your podcasts! Just wanted to share some thoughts. As a Canadian, coverage of the WNBA has not been great, however the Caitlin Clark affect has brought more access on TSN and Sportsnet. While we have had access through the WNBA App, it is telling that international coverage has increased. We specifically enjoy watching teams like the Lynx, Liberty, Aces, Storm, Wings and the Fever because the ball is great without the cheap shots. Love the hustle and aggressive play and the great sportsmanship amongst those teams. As a coach and someone that loves the game it is my hope that the WNBA works to improve the atmosphere and sense of community amongst members in the league. Interested in your thoughts.
While I agree that Paige is one of Minnesota’s best, Lindsay Whalen holds that top spot until Paige can eclipse 4 WNBA titles for the Lynx. Not being nitpicky, but Whalen will always have a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans. ✌️💙🏀
Sue & Megan: why are you saying the death threats are bad for DiJonai Carrington but not acknowledging that Caitlin has gone through this since she was in college? We saw the horrible posts her senior year. But people here writing on your site saying it does not happen to Caitlin. Caitlin just does not talk about it. She also, has never said anything negative about anyone even the people that are saying negative things about her and baiting her online to speak about things plus posting skits to make fun of Caitlin like DiJonai Carrington just did...
Can't wait to watch Paige and Juju play against or maybe together 👀, lol in the W!
😂😂
I’m with Sue on the sun. I live in New York and we have winter pretty much 5-6 months out of the year.
When I am on vacation I’m outside in the sun as soon as possible. Give me a good book to read and leave me alone.
I do use a lot of sunscreen as well. My sport is tennis so I can play indoors and outdoors. 54:35
Good bicker this week ☀️⭐️😮
My mother made me take Chuck Norris classes because she chose to live in west los Angeles in the 60s
Oh wow, reasonable and thoughtful commentary about the WNBA viewership numbers, thank you ladies
Great commentary!
Simone Augusta and Cappie Pondexter were generational talent... Both were drafted in 2006
“Addicted to Buckets “🔥🔥🔥
Cc is the reason thats why people now are watching semis even without her. Dont be hypocrite ladies👍😁
I love you Ladies…very smart👍🏿
Invite Caitlin Clark and Lexie hull, please❤️❤️❤️
Bird is jealous too they will not invite her😂😂
Yep that is all true
No rumors, the truth
I love this show. I came to the WNBA this year following of course, Caitlin Clark. But I found other players and teams I like. Of course I am a Fever fan. I live in Texas. Now one thing I noticed is the refs are horrible and inconsistent on the same game no matter which teams are playing. One team can get mauled with no fouls but they can get called for just brushing a player. Saw this in the semi finals also. The WNBA needs to clean this up as fans really notice the lack of quality of the refs.
Fans will always be extra sensitive about the team and players they root for.
Fans of a team in any league, not just the W say “the refs need to change” when those they root for are knocked down. It happens every season in the NBA. Last year a big convo was how “unfair” the refs and media are to Ky, how obviously they favor LeBron and give him all the room in the world and every free throw possible, yet the Mavs made it to the finals and the lakers didn’t. Ky choked in the finals and it had nothing to do with the calls, same with how CC’s rook season ended.
If you start watching already believing the W is unfair to CC for this reason or that, then it’s all you’re gonna see, whether it’s really there or not.
@@TF-vb9us the officiating in the W is some of the worst and most inconsistent I’ve ever seen.
@@TF-vb9us That sounds to me like gaslighting. Yeah I saw some bad referreeing; but thats not so important to me. It seemed to be clearly targeted at CC, but other players got it. But I thought I saw games were the refs were clearly "fair" - meaning they called the same fouls on both teams - but also a few that were very one sided. Just saying we are all blind and its just because we are fans doesn't track.
Here is my main one. All season I heard the commentators say "any hit to the head is an automatic review". Then in the playoffs, DC strikes CC with the nails, CC rolling on the ground clutching her face - no review. Not doing what is supposed to be an "automatic" review is not just a problem because I am a fan.
I really enjoy your program, keep up the great content ❤
If i had cable or ESPN2 i would have watched but i did watch later on the wnba app. Curious though why the Lynx sells out their home ‘lower bowl’ but doesn’t open the upper sections and sell those tickets? My guess is they dont have the staff for parking, food, etc for handling the larger crowds? Anyways they have otherwise locked their attendance to 8500 fans only.
Fight for what you want
The Paige world tour didn't even cover her NWSL stops!
What matters the most mvp or championship because I think Aja focused much on getting the mvp for not winning last year the mvp.Aces are so much focus on Aja on offense not like there 2 championship the scoring is balance
Nah one thing aja isn't is selfish she gave everything she had. The attention she gets should make the load easier for the other four on the floor .
@tianna2030 yeah, it is weird that there is an idea out there (I think it's just clark fans that don't really know basketball tbh...and i don't mean that to sound disrespectful!) that wilson was scoring *too many* points! It is kinda insane!
I mean she plays hard and does historically well and she is just accused of playing to win the mvp?!? To me, that is ridiculous. She plays to win the game.
PS: GO LYNX!
Can you block the trolls and bots when they post negative comments on X? That could at least keep them out of your feed.
@kateperkins6705 hell yeah, you can. I have probably blocked over 1,000. It is a good practice since it really is a cesspool over there! 😬
That duet for the bicker of the week🔥🔥
Yes I agree
Ok no rush, birdy dawg
Related to the viewership numbers conversation- some of the WNBA semifinals games were on ESPN 2 and the times of the games weren't announced until ~48 hrs out of tip off. It's almost like they weren't set up for success.
It goes back to historical investment, marketing, lack of resources, accessibility, etc. And you can't truly compare current men's sports to current women's sports because men's sports have had such a large head start (years of investment, marketing, resources, accessibility).
I need for birdy to say it ladies 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Totally agree about the numbers thing. A lot of disingenuous interlopers stirring sht.
Not that ya'll are reading this, but I was one of the peeps who @'d you both last week. No hashtags, and it received a few profile visits. I imagine one of you saw it. It was probably me going in a bit hard on the Dijonai thing or the extreme identity politics going on. The division. The fracturing. I think it gets painful for people after a while.
Anyhoo, I felt bad and deleted the tweet. It was just angry in tenor, and that's not how I like to be.
There are no moderate, knowledgeable voices in this space. And it's hard to get good info and perspective. That's why, despite our political differences, I have previously enjoyed tuning in. Occasionally, I just feel like you guys sometimes infantalize grown people and give them blanket cover from any criticism. They can do no wrong, and they can't be individually held to any account. Or question. Or really anything. It's just instant "racism" every time.
CC and Paige
Yeah but some of the Chicago players themselves lied about that bus incident and said there were a bunch of fever fans & your favorite coach geno spoke about this and disrespected the fever fans about this. Yet, come to find out it was only maybe 3 or 4 people and 1 of them was a reporter bcuz they had a camera and everything & addressed chennedy Carter as miss Carter. So when players constantly are accusing fever fans just to get attention bcuz obviously some are lieing as evidenced with that sky incident ,dont always believe every antifever fan player as tho they won't lie about it
The roman may be next man up
Keep your body safe like birdy and LeBron and you can play forever
The truth is ... the Aces were easy to root against ... honest. Wilson sounds like a crybaby..talking about White Privilage... she went to private school!
Maybe Steve won't talk
Sue, could you give examples of white privilege in WNBA?
I am not a bot or a troll.
I want coach kidd to talk
Storm need JuJu!!
My mother part native American
Once again, you ladies are never disappoint.I love this show.Thank you all for being so true to the real narrative
Jumping moving cars is not cool
Remove Caitlan in WNBA and put him in any league and it will sold out.How about the W without Caitlin and let see the result.Caitlin is like Messi and Renaldo.Her fans still follow her.Caitlin is already a brand internationally
No choices little sister
Its amazing the outrage is not about the sharp nails and the potential eye poke, but about the player being asked about it. At the start of the season Chennedy Carter called CC a B and knocked her down - the ball was not even in play. Clearly intentional. Also the Sky players clearly celebrated the hit.
Because of this I do now believe WNBA players will intentionally harm other players just to win a BBall game, and that they will celebrate it.
So I don't see why someone should not be asked about this. Its clearly happened before. This season. To CC.
Also the refs were terrible. All season commentators have said "any hit to the head is an AUTOMATIC review". CC is rolling around clutching her face...and no review...rigged.
Si choices, may not to be right
Why go to Uconn really
The living book
Where's the purple hair?
New rules
Paige come be a valkyrie
@tianna2030 you know that's not happening, right?
They will likely not have the first pick (expansion teams haven't been granted it, previously) and bueckers will almost certainly go #1. So that means mystics, wings, sky, or sparks (or do the sky not own the rights to their pick? I think i may hay heard that???).
A maxie
True or fake
At the end of the day, it’s really pointless. to mention the viewership without Caitlyn Women because what are people supposed to do? If she’s not in the playoffs, she’s not in the playoffs. Are we suggesting that she should be in the playoffs even if her team doesn’t make it? What’s the point of even making a comment. Probably the reason they don’t mention it for the men’s game is because it’s such a pointless comment. If LeBron doesn’t make it into the playoffs, there’s no need to talk about the ownership for LeBron.
A happy ending???
Geno
Nah… Shannon was right. The second Fever Sun game was the highest viewership for 20 years.
I want to see proof of these death threats
I see
Could not disagree with you more about trans in women's sports. It is about fairness. Girls ARE being affected and I'm not trying to get any votes.
let all the trans players play in men's sports. No one will question if they win there.
I like this podcast, but does anyone feel like these ladies fundamentally misunderstand the point of sports journalism?
Bird back
Thanks again for your work this week. I refuse to get on Twitter because of it's owner and the incredibly negative swamp it has become. So no followers. :)
Since I was one of the people last week who mentioned the A'ja - prejudice clip, my response to your comments is that A'ja has a blind spot when it comes to prejudice in the WNBA. I think most CC fans think there is a substantial reverse prejudice in the WNBA.
Thanks again. So happy you strayed into NWSL territory with the Sinclair retirement. And I'm laughing out loud at the bicker of the week.
What up with that
lol love how they had to make sure to touch base on the wnba viewership numbers. Omg this is absolutely a product of the wnba right here it’s so biased in the way that the wanna leads this league! Whyyyyy do people hate that it’s so obvious that Caitlin comes in and that’s the reason there’s attention in the league. Just let it be that stop
Trying to fight it and stick up for the league. Geesus!! CC brought an overall larger look to the wnba in general nevertheless it’s the intent behind bringing it up. You guys are so anti Caitlin like everyone else and that’s the problem! I’m sorry that’s just what it is!! There’s a lot of women and men talking about this right now I’ve seen black women black men Hispanic Asian Indian men and women all
Of the above the MAJORITY of social media which is America as a whole does believe these women are catty and don’t like the attention Caitlin got and there was a ton of hate towards her and it was clear!! How hard should it have been for when asked about Caitlin women in the league say, yes she’s amazing can’t wait to see what she does. Andddd then move on?!!! But they couldn’t grown professional women in this league and or in the media putting in their two cents as why she’s not as amazing as everyone thinks she is or nickel and diming her game or even character for whatever reason!! Which come on what else is the reason??? I’m so over all of this! Y’all act like racism towards white women doesn’t exist in that league!!! I’m so over this white people have privilege this is a black dominated league! The white women have to fight harder have more hate geared towards them and frankly outside of Caitlin the white women in the league that are good aren’t allowed to say they’re good unless they’re screaming to the entire world that they are nothing and black
Women in the league are all better than them like this is crazy annoying that yall are this brain washed! I was and am all against racism and hate and I understand privilege but this… this is not that!!!!!! This is different! This league literally cherishes black
Women they’re rallying around a woman who intentionally so very much so intentionally hitCaitlin Clark a white woman in the eye!! Even after she went on social media to reenact a scene with her gf about hitting her in the eye and it being an accident literally
Mocking the entire situation!!! She jolted nothing but hate towards Caitlin for months even years prior to her coming into the league like a child spewing hate about her on social media and not only that I have like ten screenshots of things dijonae posted on her twitter/X that was racist!!! Racist pictures she posted and racist things she said about white people!!! I just wish yall would be real and honest and not come out and spew all of this nonsense in the name of black women and the league!!! Dijonae Carrington grew up with money lots of it and so did Aja they both had the sky as the limit! Yes I’m sure they experienced racism one time or another but it’s absolutely insane to go around thinking that black women don’t exhibit hate and racism towards white wpeople!! This is 2024 things have changed!! Things have evolved and when you’re talking about women black women in this league it is far from a toxic environment!! The league literally fights for them and cherishes them over white star players!!! Imagine working your ass off and being marginally better than all of those around you and being told you need to go around making sure you tell the world your game could never be as amazing as Aja Wilson’s or Dijonae Carrington’s bc you have privilege and that’s the real true reason you’re there and successful like what in the entire heckkkk I have to be in the twilight zone!!!! Bc this is off the freaking wall!!!!
you act like caitlen is still in college. why did carrington snd smith tweet about poking the eye? i hoped caitlen leaves the wnba because covering up the eye poke while smith and carrington continue to make fun of it is abuse.
Wnba numbers are up because of the new fans CC brought into this wild catfight of a league.
Too bad the same can't be said for your pod's numbers. Still under 10k subs...Ouch!!
I believe some of your comments are truly naive. Do blacks have privilege in playing many sports?