Candace Parker (Image Credit: X/@TheWCentral)
Throughout basketball history, fans have generally shown more interest in the NBA than the WNBA. However, in recent years, this trend has changed, with women’s basketball games setting records for viewerships on broadcasting channels. In light of this shift, WNBA legend Candace Parker recently shared her insights.

During a recent appearance on the Bloomberg Originals podcast, Parker expressed her disappointment regarding the historically low turnout and interest in women’s sports. She highlighted the challenges the league faces in attracting a larger audience and criticized major television networks for their longstanding neglect of women’s sports.

“The first time they put the Women’s NCAA game on ABC was the first year that Caitlin Clark made the championship game. Are you surprised that the viewership was up? Are you surprised that people actually saw the product? It was buried for so long on ESPN.” Parker said.

Candace Parker criticizes networks for burying women’s sports for many years. (via @bbgoriginals)

“The first time they put the Women’s NCAA game on ABC was the first year that Caitlin Clark made the championship game. Are you surprised that the viewership was up? Are you… pic.twitter.com/Mt4AiI8tuZ

— WNBACentral (@TheWCentral)

November 7, 2024

Parker believes this neglect has contributed to the underrepresentation and underappreciation of female athletes in the sports media.

Candace Parker Notes NBA’s Caution In Scheduling Around Major NFL Games

Parker is one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. The WNBA legend played 16 seasons in the league for three teams: 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, two seasons with the Chicago Sky, and one season with the Las Vegas Aces. She won a championship with each team.

Further in the interview, Parker mentioned that the NBA has always avoided scheduling games that coincide with NFL crucial games, as this could decrease their viewership.

“The NBA doesn’t want to clash with NFL playoffs or NFL opening week. So why would we then put the WNBA? I don’t care if that’s the time slot that they’re giving you. Let’s fight for another one, or let’s find something else.” Parker said.

Parker took retirement on April 28, 2024, via her Instagram account. Later, Adidas declared that Parker would become the brand’s president of women’s basketball.

VIDEO: The Entire Internet Was Cringing As Tom Brady Awkwardly Told Everyone How Hot He Thinks Matt LaFleur Is During Packers-Lions Game

Matt LaFleur and Tom Brady (Photos via FOX)
Tom Brady may be reined in by FOX Sports following his awkward comment about Matt LaFleur that had the internet in stitches.

The former NFL quarterback called Sunday’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions and liked what he saw where Green Bay’s head coach was concerned as he waxed lyrical over the 45-year-old Michigan native.

“Look at that perfect little moustache, goatee that he’s got,” Brady said right before a third-and-three. “We can’t see his hair today. But I was so impressed when I saw him in the tunnel, such a handsome guy. he said he spends $100 a week to keep himself looking like that.”

Kevin Burkhardt, his booth partner, could only offer a “Wow.”

Check it out in the video below: