Women’s tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King believes Caitlin Clark’s emergence in the WNBA signifies a turning point for the league as more people are tuning in to watch the Indiana Fever rookie.
King posted on news on Tuesday that she hopes the WNBA does not blow it when it comes to defending its star. Clark was on the receiving end of a heavy foul against the Chicago Sky on Saturday. The infraction was initially called a common violation but was later escalated to a flagrant-1.
This generation is extremely essential for the WNBA, you have to set an example,” King stated. “Children are watching. How do you wish to be remembered? This generation has an opportunity to set this league on fire.
Don’t blow it with anger. Do not blow it. Just play ball.”
She further expressed her perspective in an interview with USA Today.
“As great as the WNBA has been, with amazing stars like Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, among others, this year is a turning point, and it’s because of Caitlin,” she stated in the publication. “Breaking the college records, everyone donning the No. 22 jerseys. Things are going fine for the WNBA, for women’s sports. They are wonderful for everyone with all these sellouts and all this interest, and we’ve got to keep that continuing now.