The surge in WNBA fandom has been enthusiastically embraced by a diverse range of supporters, from casual viewers to celebrities and former sports legends.
Among the new fans is former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman, who has been following the latest action in women’s basketball and recently shared his predictions for the Rookie of the Year award.
Merriman faced a challenging decision in naming a winner between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both of whom are having outstanding rookie seasons. “It’s so hard because they’re both breaking records,” Merriman told Fox Digital. “This is the good thing and I know people don’t want to hear me say this – no matter who you pick there’s gonna be an uproar. There was an uproar when Caitlin Clark didn’t make the USA team. I think whoever you pick there’s gonna be an uproar, which is not necessarily a bad thing.”
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Despite the difficulty in choosing between the two, Merriman was clear about his personal favorite. “Caitlin Clark is my favorite player. I love the way she’s handled herself,” Merriman said, according to Ryan Gaydos of Fox News. “No matter what someone said, no matter which storyline, she’s always come back with the right answer. She’s my favorite player.”
However, Merriman also acknowledged the merits of Angel Reese. “I think you can’t go wrong with giving it to Angel Reese,” he added. Reese is averaging 14.1 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game, consistently achieving double-doubles. She recently secured her 14th double-double of the season, extending a WNBA record.
Clark, on the other hand, is averaging 16.1 points and six rebounds per game. She recorded a triple-double in an 83-78 win over the New York Liberty, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.
“What Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have done for the WNBA has been wonders,” Merriman continued. “I think that, I hate to say this, but it’s almost like a Magic-Bird type of feeling because it’s one of those things where all this commotion still brings eyeballs. People still watch the game to see storylines. The reason why the NFL is so big is because they always create storylines – this quarterback was drafted over that quarterback, that quarterback had this many Super Bowls. The NFL is great because they make storylines.”
Merriman’s comments highlight the growing popularity of the WNBA and the compelling narratives that drive fan engagement.
The rivalry between Clark and Reese is reminiscent of iconic sports duels from the past, bringing excitement and attention to women’s basketball. As the league continues to grow, these storylines will undoubtedly play a crucial role in attracting new fans and keeping existing ones invested in the game.
