The WNBA enjoyed historic ratings growth this past year as rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink brought massive audiences with them over from college. But their NBA counterparts have not enjoyed similar ratings growth – or any growth at all for that matter – and Clark is a bit concerned.
Appearing on the New Heights show, Clark addressed the NBA’s down ratings and gave her thoughts on what might be causing it. Clark believes that some NBA players give off the impression that they’re not trying hard during the regular season games, making people think that the league has gone “soft.”
“I’ve been asking a lot of people why they think they’re down. I feel like the average average basketball fan doesn’t understand how good NBA players are, and they think it looks like they’re not trying… I promise you they’re trying. They’re just like so good. Maybe they just need more beef and physicality and people think it’s gotten soft. But I also think the skill’s just changed. That’s what’s great about the game – it’s always evolving,” Clark said.
Clark and the Kelce brothers then went through a couple of suggestions for how to improve the game, ranging from the introduction of a 4-point line to a hockey-style penalty box that doesn’t result in an ejection.
Fans were somewhat amused by the idea, admitting that there could be some good entertainment value in seeing on-court fights and a 4-point line:
“If we get boxing gloves for NBA Games then Isaiah Stewart about to enter GOAT convos,” one user joked.
“Create a 4 point line, wait 10 years, let the nerds do the math and figure out that a 3 point shot is actually a bad shot,” wrote another.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 11: Caitlin Clark sits courtside during the men’s college basketball game between the Butler Bulldogs and Western Michigan Broncos on November 11, 2024, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
“Loved this episode so much! It was great to hear Caitlin’s perspective on so many different topics in sports. Her love and passion for the game really showed. I also loved that she asked the guys so many questions. Great episode to kick off 2025!” a third wrote on X.
One thing seems certain: The NBA needs to do SOMETHING to stem the loss in ratings – and fast.
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