Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton sparked controversy during a recent episode of his “4th & 1” podcast by sharing a strong opinion about baseball’s future. According to Newton, Major League Baseball is gradually losing its fanbase and will be eclipsed by the WNBA within the next two decades.
Newton’s Bold Statement
During the podcast, Newton did not hold back:
“Baseball is like a — I hate to say it — a dying sport. I think baseball will be surpassed by the WNBA in 20 years. Baseball isn’t even being played by Americans anymore. But that’s all I’m saying, bro. For those who take offense to it, it’s just the truth. It’s like, who is really paying attention to baseball, especially paying attention to baseball in the regular season?”
Newton’s remarks immediately made waves on social media, triggering a fierce reaction from baseball fans and analysts alike.
Swift Fan Reactions
Baseball enthusiasts on Twitter quickly jumped in to refute Newton’s claims. Many pointed to MLB’s robust financial health, record-breaking player contracts, and steady viewership trends as evidence that the league is anything but “dying.”
- One user quipped:“Remind me what sport has the highest paid contract of all time… also remind me where the reigning AL MVP is from.”
- Another referenced the recent spate of massive deals:“Baseball is so dead they are giving out $700M deals.”
- A different fan called Newton’s take “random” and “a setup,” noting:“Guys are getting $800M contracts, this feels like a setup.”
- Others drew attention to Juan Soto’s historic new contract with the New York Mets, reportedly the biggest in North American sports history:“Juan Soto just signed the biggest contract in North American sports history, btw.”
- Some fans felt Newton’s perspective was designed for shock value, with one tweet reading:“Can we cool it with the ‘this sport is dying’ hot takes? Let’s leave rage-baiting for cheap views in 2024. It’s just so lazy. Also, MLB revenue, attendance, and viewership is way up.”
- Another user bluntly labeled Newton’s claim as:“Easily one of the stupidest opinions I’ve ever seen from a public commentator.”
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MLB’s Continuing Success
Far from fading, MLB teams and players continue to command staggering sums. As referenced by Newton’s critics, Juan Soto recently inked a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Meanwhile, league-wide attendance is up, and television deals remain lucrative. Although every sport has periods of fluctuation in popularity, baseball consistently demonstrates its staying power—and a significant fanbase that remains fiercely loyal.
A Differing Perspective on the WNBA
Newton’s assertion that the WNBA will eventually surpass MLB also stirred debate. While the WNBA has made important strides in viewership and sponsorship, critics of Newton’s hot take emphasize that it’s unlikely to match MLB’s current financial clout and cultural footprint in just 20 years.
Still, many do applaud Newton for highlighting the WNBA’s ongoing growth—especially as it earns more national coverage and invests in star players.
The Bigger Picture
Cam Newton’s explosive commentary shows how sports are often tied to broader cultural conversations about relevance, audience demographics, and shifting tastes. While every league aims to stay innovative and capture new fans, the consensus in the sports world seems to be that baseball is far from “dying.”
Instead, MLB has repeatedly shown its resilience through player megadeals, robust partnerships, and a dedicated fanbase that remains willing to tune in—both for the long regular season and beyond.
In the end, Newton’s remarks have ignited discussion about how sports evolve over time. But for the moment, record-breaking contracts and strong ratings suggest that baseball still holds a firm place in America’s sporting landscape, even as it adapts to modern trends and competition.
