Stephen A. Smith Conveys Clear Reason for Caitlin Clark's 'Dipped' WNBA Production

Stephen A. Smith Speaks on Caitlin Clark's 2025 WNBA Season Struggles

Sports media icon Stephen A. Smith was a guest on an August 8 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher. And Smith didn't mince words when the topic of Clark came up.

"Caitlin Clark is the cash cow. She is box office. When she plays, the ratings go up, revenue goes up, interest goes up. When she doesn't play, it plummets," Smith said, per an X post from @VigilantFox. "36% drop in ratings for All-Star Weekend for the WNBA a few weeks ago. Last year, she didn't miss a game. This year, she missed 17 games. This is a woman that, everything she touches with women's basketball, turns to gold... She is very good."

When Bill Maher asked whether she's the best player in the league, Smith said, "No, she's not the best player in the league. But she's good, she's damn good. She was fourth in league MVP voting last year.

"She had an opportunity to be that this year, but those 17 games that she's missed, dipped in shooting percentage, three-point shooting percentage, assists, everything has gone down a little bit. Primarily due to injuries. But trust me, she is the future of the WNBA. She's legit.

Smith has always been an outspoken advocate for Clark, especially when she's playing at her peak. But the bottom line is that he, like every other person who watches, follows, and covers women's basketball, is eagerly awaiting the moment when Clark is injury-free and can return to the Indiana Fever's court for their run to the WNBA postseason.