WNBA star Caitlin Clark recently offered her perspective on the decline in NBA ratings, suggesting that the game’s constant evolution and increased competition from other sports, particularly the NFL, are contributing factors.
A Tweet read,
“Caitlin Clark on the drop in NBA ratings: “Maybe people want more beef and physicality. People think it’s gone soft. But I think it’s also the skill has just changed. That’s what’s great about basketball; it’s always evolving. It’s going to be different from when M.J. played. It’s going to be different in 10 years than it is now… It’s competing with a lot of football right now; you have to take that into consideration. Football is just America’s favorite thing.””
Caitlin Clark on the drop in NBA ratings:
“Maybe people want more beef and physicality. People think it’s gone soft. But I think it’s also the skill has just changed. That’s what’s great about basketball; it’s always evolving. It’s going to be different from when M.J. played.… pic.twitter.com/FdpTwnlZm5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 6, 2025
Caitlin Clark’s Changing Game Dynamics
Caitlin Clark’s comments highlight a significant shift in the NBA’s style of play. The league has moved away from the gritty, physical basketball of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing more on skill, pace, and three-point shooting. While this evolution has been exciting for some fans, others miss the rough-and-tumble play that once defined the sport. Clark believes that the increased skill level of today’s players often makes their efforts go unnoticed, leading to the perception that they aren’t trying hard enough.
Fan Preferences and Physicality
According to Caitlin Clark, some fans feel that the NBA has become too soft and lacks the physicality they crave. She mentioned that the league’s emphasis on finesse over physicality might be turning away traditional basketball fans. However, Clark also pointed out that the game is always evolving, and what might seem soft now was once considered the norm.
Competition with Football
One of the biggest challenges the NBA faces is the competition from football, particularly the NFL. Clark noted that football is deeply ingrained in American culture and often takes precedence over other sports. The overlap in schedules, especially during the early season, means that the NBA has to compete with one of the most popular sports in the country.
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