On the latest episode of It Is What It Is, former rapper and media personality Cam’Ron didn’t hold back when discussing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s comments about Caitlin Clark. He argued the league is underestimating just how much its current visibility depends on the star guard.
The conversation kicked off with co-host Mase, who highlighted Clark’s undeniable influence on the league’s popularity.
“She actually make the league hot,” Mase said. “She’s bringing the viewers, along with everybody else, but they’re coming to see her either win or fail. That’s what’s motivating a lot of the interest.”
Supporting this claim, co-host Treasure Wilson shared revealing numbers: WNBA ratings reportedly plummeted by 55% following Clark’s injury, with national broadcasts of the Indiana Fever dropping from 1.8 million viewers to roughly 850,000.
Clark: The League’s Biggest Draw
Cam’Ron expanded on these statistics, framing Clark not only as the WNBA’s top attraction but also as a player making major financial sacrifices. He reminded viewers that Clark reportedly earned more in college through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals than she does now as a pro.
“I was making 3.1 [million] a year in college,” Cam’Ron said, echoing Clark’s position. He also referenced reported offers from Ice Cube’s Big3 league, including one worth $15 million for just 10 weeks, which Clark turned down to join the WNBA.
“Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor. I got a $28 million deal with Nike. Watch your mouth!”
Cam’Ron argued that Commissioner Engelbert’s remarks downplay Clark’s true value, pointing out that her $78,000 WNBA salary pales in comparison to the multimillion-dollar opportunities she passed up. He framed Clark’s decision as a deliberate effort to elevate women’s basketball.
“She’s choosing to bring awareness to women’s basketball over cash. That’s huge,” Cam’Ron said.
Postseason Performance Proves Her Impact
Cam’Ron also highlighted the Indiana Fever’s postseason run as proof of Clark’s drawing power.
“Now, mind you, this is her second year. Her team makes it to the semifinals,” he said. “If Caitlin was playing, you would have known.”
The former rapper made it clear where he stands on the issue: if he were in Clark’s shoes, he would expect full acknowledgment from the league.
“If I’m Caitlin Clark, yo, you need to come see me,” he said.
Why Cam’Ron’s Comments Matter
Cam’Ron’s passionate remarks tap into a larger conversation about compensation, visibility, and recognition in women’s sports. Caitlin Clark’s presence has driven TV ratings, merchandise sales, and fan engagement, yet her pay in the WNBA does not reflect the millions of dollars she could earn elsewhere.
By calling out the league publicly, Cam’Ron is shining a spotlight on the disparity between talent and recognition in professional women’s basketball.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media has been buzzing with reactions since the episode aired:
- Fans praised Clark for choosing the league over bigger financial offers, calling her a trailblazer for women athletes.
- Others criticized the WNBA for underestimating her marketability and not giving her the acknowledgment she deserves.
- Many echoed Cam’Ron’s sentiment, suggesting the league should publicly recognize Clark’s contributions to the sport’s growth.
Cam’Ron’s Takeaway
In the end, Cam’Ron’s stance was clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just another player on the roster—she is a game-changer for the WNBA, deserving respect and recognition. His fiery comments put pressure on Commissioner Engelbert and the league to acknowledge the real impact of their rising star.
“She’s making the league what it is. Don’t sleep on her,” Cam’Ron said.
Stay tuned for more exclusive updates on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA! What are your thoughts on Cam’Ron’s fiery remarks? Drop a comment below!
