In a contentious and debatable reaction, Barstool Sports founder and CEO David Portnoy has spoken out regarding Caitlin Clark’s decision, a prominent college basketball player, to sign a professional contract with the WNBA and receive a shocking salary. Portnoy called the WNBA a ‘losing proposition,’ while many others commend the league’s progress in promoting women’s basketball.

Caitlin Clark, who previously impressed with her playing abilities at the University of Iowa, made waves by deciding to join the WNBA. Attention surged when details of her salary were revealed, with some sources suggesting figures in the millions of dollars.

Portnoy, a prominent figure in sports and entertainment media known for his outspoken views, did not hesitate to express his opinion on the matter. In a video posted on Barstool Sports’ social media channels, he questioned the sustainability of the WNBA:

“We’ve seen that the WNBA is not a profitable venture. In fact, it’s a losing proposition,” Portnoy declared. “If you’re paying a player over a million dollars and the league isn’t making money, that’s a losing proposition.”

Portnoy’s criticism quickly sparked controversy and mixed reactions from both online communities and industry professionals. Some agreed with his stance, pointing out that the WNBA still faces significant financial challenges and needs to find ways to boost revenue. However, others defended Clark’s decision, emphasizing that paying female players salaries commensurate with their efforts and skills is an important step in gender equity in sports.

Meanwhile, the WNBA continues its efforts to enhance its appeal and growth. The league has implemented various measures to attract fans and increase revenue, such as securing new advertising deals and ramping up media promotion.

Despite the debate, Caitlin Clark’s decision and David Portnoy’s reaction continue to garner attention and spark widespread discussion about women’s basketball and the role of the WNBA in professional sports.