NCAA coaches explain how women’s basketball is seizing a bigger audience

NCAA women’s basketball reached record viewership in 2024 after years of struggling to capture an audience. MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle talks with women’s basketball head coaches Kim Mulkey of Louisiana State University and Geno Auriemma of the University of Connecticut. NBCUniversal News Group is the media partner of Aspen Ideas Festival.
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#NCAAWomensBasketball #Basketball #AspenIdeas

[@Starstrucknut]

Let’s not forget that Clark and Reese both get hate on social media. It’s exhausting really. They just need to let them play and enjoy the games .

[@helgar791]

As Geno said, if you put yourself on (anti)social media be prepared for the good and the bad.

[@jimbones155]

Believing the WNBA would have had a rise in popularity without CC is delusional.

[@mexrider1]

And Angel Reese

[@Cocogirl44]

I mean it’s been rising for years. CC and the other rookies made it rise exponentially, but the data shows it was already on the rise

[@u2nice3079]

Already had its popular hayday. Her BF did a good job in hyping her since taking the Indy job last year.

[@markuse3472]

The way the interest for the W has been recently, it would have taken twenty plus years for it to arrive where Caitlin has taken it to currently. There is no doubt Caitlin is that rock star and that superhero this ugly sport has needed all along. But the media and anyone else mentioning anyone else do so for fear of the woke masses.

[@ArthurFaulkner-db4lq]

Look at ticket prices when CC plays.

[@mr.ronaldlawrence1231]

Coach Auriemma is correct regarding the impact of social media on Women's Basketball. The public missed some iconic women's basketball games such as the 1996 Women's Olympic Basketball final which featured Dawn Staley at point guard.

[@williamdee3080]

Yeah back then they were woke at all

[@mlouise1828]

Thanks to Caitlin Clark! I wonder why Bluder was not invited, the coach of the most popular player in the world.

[@mzbatonrougebeauty5267]

She has no rings

[@patmccarty8571]

and a team that went to two championship games with 1 5 star player and all 2-3 star players .

[@garywright8457]

@@mzbatonrougebeauty5267 let's see yours, mouth!

[@u2nice3079]

How delusional are you!

[@mlouise1828]

@@mzbatonrougebeauty5267 Well, she has no all star teammates.

[@chrisxavier1848]

It's not social media, it's Caitlin Clark. Acknowledge that and act in accord with it.

[@mexrider1]

Wrong.. Its Social Media..

[@paratroopdoc]

Social media follows a topic or person. Not a feeling or theory.

[@markuse3472]

@@mexrider1 Social media has existed since the late 1990'--early 2000's. You are Wrong. However, a mixture of both is the likely the reason, with an edge to Caitlin. It is the fear of Black employees and wokes that forces these coaches and the media to avoid stating the truth, the CC22 is the reason for the W's success.

[@Low-hw4ek]

Kim don’t play about 👑Queen Angel she’s going to acknowledge her superstars contribution any chance she get ❤ I love it

[@mzbatonrougebeauty5267]

My daughter met the players the first time after the championship win. 2 weeks ago she met coach Mulky and took pics. She asked Mulky if she can hang on 5 more years until she can get to lsu..she said "baby ill be almost 70, i hope im alive"

[@comfortsheriff1352]

😄😄 coach Kim is certainly someone I'll like to coach my child

[@jeannerader1349]

He really has NEVER been a Caitlin Clark fan, so he will never say anything positive about her.

[@user-ho4dn2zq3b]

Geaux Kim, she is going too support her players baby, Love LSU and Kim Mulkey 💜💛

[@jeannerader1349]

@@user-ho4dn2zq3b And shoutout to Kim - she should absolutely support her players.

[@redboysam5702]

I started watching womens NCAA basketball last season curious about a undefeated team South Carolina. That's the only reason I went there!!! A undefeated team impressed me.

[@tko8218]

Same here. I became interested in South Carolina's undefeated run.

[@stevefisher8323]

Of course UConn's women's team had the longest undefeated streak in all college sports several years ago, 111 games.

[@FunFactswithAmani]

So go on a video that talks about them. Kim coaches lsu and Geno coaches UConn. Why would they mention a team they don’t coach?

[@tko8218]

@@FunFactswithAmani I am a fan of women's college basketball and a South Carolina fan. Our biggest rivals are UConn and LSU, so I'm also interested in their games and coaches. As a fan, I follow and watch other teams play as well. I don't understand your "stay in your sand box" mentality.

[@roveniacollins4930]

ANGEL REESE why came to watch this discussion!!! Angel Reese her personality and game performance is sensational!!!! ANGEL REESE is the reason why I started watching the wnba!!!🌟🌟🌟

[@JPPatrick530]

😂

[@ClaireHomestead-pg5tc]

Same here!

[@sbrewt21]

Same

[@colleenposadas8415]

Creepy people

[@jeannerader1349]

@@roveniacollins4930 I don’t disagree that she is a good basketball player - people would probably like her if she didn’t want to be the “bad” girl. I have never watched a game to see her - wish she didn’t want to be so slutty.

[@kennethrobinson6738]

This was wonderful. Two great coaches with great views and a depth of knowledge of the game. I appreciate the fact that Stephaine asked great questions and allowed the coaches to speak. Well done.

[@Geemonroe11]

Shout out to Kim Mulkey, she made sure to bring up Angel Reese her player I got a whole lot of respect for Kim for that.

[@crystalj3617]

Facts!!!

[@sulleys1929]

I still want to know why Mulkey benched Angel mid season!

[@bonitaapplebum0088]

​@@sulleys1929discipline

[@richardedmiston3756]

​@@sulleys1929She's never gonna give a reason for that.

[@tonyvillanueva5861]

why don't just accept it. It's the caitlin clark effect

[@jml79bu]

Wonderful interview with two amazing coaches. BU'79

[@ruyeliaslopez7783]

Why can’t these two coaches say it what it is? Womens basketball is having bigger audience because mainly of Caitlin Clark. These two coaches who have been building women's basketball throughout these years but have not achieved this bigger audience now. Social media was present in society for a long time now. But they have not drawn bigger audience. It is what coach Bluder and Caitlin Clark did (not packaging it) which was to show womens basketball is entertaining and not only those being produced by these two coaches. Geno is really jealous and bitter that coach Bluder and Caitlin Clark has ignited bigger audience of which only him can dream of.

[@ak-xp4hp]

They're saying what they think it is, you just don't agree.

[@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219]

You sound absolutely crazy saying Geno is jealous. You better check the record. Cc did nothing to bring bigger audiences to the game. Angel hand wave ignited the attention, and media promoted it. What exactly did CC do?

[@williamdee3080]

​@@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219 Are you serious

[@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219]

@williamdee3080 what reason would Geno have to be jealous? what did CC do?

[@ruyeliaslopez7783]

@@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219 Geno is jealous because he was not the one who trained and nurtured the generational talent Caitlin Clark, that all his UConn players and alumni are overshadowed by Caitlin Clark and that his UConn team stacked with first round picks for collegiate basketball was beaten by a raw and newbie team led by Caitlin Clark and Coach Bluder. That really hits his ego.

[@a.j.935]

Caitlin Clark is the reason.

[@YourAccess2me]

No one else in the history of basketball has made as many points as Caitlin Clark though, Coach Geno. You needed to add that to your talk. So even though maybe, Pete Maravich would have scored more points if there had been a 3 point line... there still has been no one except Caitlin Clark that has broken Pistol Pete's record.

[@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219]

Pete averaged over 40 points a game!

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

KIm looks a lot better dressed like this than her flashy game outfits. She is a very pretty lady.

[@stuartu7150]

One thing I haven’t heard anyone discuss is the parity in women’s college basketball. It used to be like 3 or 4 teams that absolutely demolished everyone else and that was boring. It’s much more fun to watch competitive basketball where many teams are great and the outcome is not a certainty.

[@breezybreeze12]

It burns Geno up to acknowledge Clark’s impact lol

[@TheTigah]

Facts are sometimes brutal for the Fanbase of the Corn ClawkEyes who suffer from cognitive dissonance.

[@tammyboon6259]

Who is he?!?!

[@anthonytaylor7928]

True lol ​@@TheTigah

[@jeremyadom5672]

She's not the only player who impacted the game. People who are new fans are just now paying attention but they are not looking at everything which is what he is saying.

[@colleenposadas8415]

​@@jeremyadom5672no one ever said she was the only player.

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

hey Geno, tell us about the Caitlin Clark effect......its complicated, she wanted to play for me but she didnt meet my standards. Then they took us out.

[@tammyboon6259]

Curious if I'm understanding u correctly, along w/ I've heard CC say?!?! That CC chose to go to Iowa State, b/c though it was a smaller College, she knew she'd have the opportunity to play more & obviously grow more & start?! I'm from Canada 🇨🇦 SO I'm knew to Women's Basketball & have only started watching in Canada hearing oths speak about how amazing CC is playing!!! I can c why it must be easy more challenging when recruiting. I'm STILL learning about CC's journey as a College player!!! BUT I can say, I've NEVER HEARD of ANY Women's Basketball player talked about like CC in Canada from the U.S & have noticed that she has an international following!!!

[@jordanlj1]

@@tammyboon6259 As I understand it, CC was planning to go to Notre Dame because of the great pipeline of guards that had made it to the wnba. and ND had won a few titles. Then the long time coach retired, and CC pivoted to Iowa. I could be wrong, but I do not think CC had any interest in leaving the midwest. At the time CC was a Sr in HS, all the rave was Paige, who will be playing in her final season next year for Geno.

[@TheXena23]

@@tammyboon6259 U. of Iowa, not Iowa State. U. of Iowa is a major university

[@TheXena23]

@@jordanlj1 Caitlin signed to Notre Dame. She changed her mind to stay home and play @ Iowa. Muffy was still the coach when Caitlin decided to stay in her home state.

[@Sakurapedaler]

@@tammyboon6259 Clark went to the University of Iowa, not Iowa State University. And the University of Iowa is actually slightly larger than the University of Connecticut.

[@mexrider1]

Just goes to show the real professionals know that Angel Resse gets so much crap on Social Media from CC fans..

[@hollyjones8775]

I do think the game is greater and more competitive for sure! There are more girls doing moves that were not being done 20-40 yrs ago…. They are training at a younger age, putting in more time to be the next prodigy there are more talented players than there used to be. I think the game in women’s has evolved

[@pk70305]

LSU and UConn come to Columbia this year, can’t wait!!!

[@paratroopdoc]

It’s 100% about the fans. Not the players

[@Pucci_D]

Social Media Exposed the racial divide and although CC had a huge impact with her talent, the wildly viral NCAA championship with Angel Reese caused an uproar that had fans showing their true color and a narrative was born that boiled over into the WNBA. The success of this story and the PROTAGONIST ANTAGONIST/ effect will draw the eyes. This CANNOT happen with one person. The new Rookie class was settup for a perfect storm and big bucks because controversy sales.

[@dschrute8]

It’s true that Clark didn’t truly break Pete’s record, but it’s okay to acknowledge that no other player did what she did since Pete. That is also incredible. Also, social media wasn’t invented two years ago.

[@breezybreeze12]

No she truly broke it. The record books says so

[@Andrea-gk7pj]

Exactly! It kills Geno to acknowledge what Caitlin Clark has accomplished…I bet his tune would be different if she played for UCONN!

[@tammyboon6259]

​@@Andrea-gk7pj Man, I'm glad I read comments!!!! I knew first that his pt about social media was not correct!!!! Social Media has been around for decades now & STILL took CC for Basketball to have gotten the exposure that it has!!! PERIOD.

[@MsGoodyTwoShoes]

@@tammyboon6259the way that people use and rely on social media has changed. News outlets and entertainment studios are also having to adjust to how the public relies on social media. That’s the major difference. The political climate also played a major role. Not to mention Clark didn’t trend online until Angel Reese does the hand gesture. This concept is called convergence.

[@colleenposadas8415]

Bingo. It's been around much longer

[@TopDawg742]

Geno dont forget Iowa sold out a football stadium lol

[@princeypooh9853]

He was selling out arenas b4 you were born but go off. He could rlly care less abt those stats, because he’s one of the blueprints of the women’s college basketball. Check uconn program history b4 u start thinking you ate, cause u didn’t lol.

[@oneiric-diary]

imo uconn could sell out their football stadium too. not trying to say its not impressive but its college man

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

do you really think a stacked team this is always stacked is all of a sudden going to grow the audience? They're not. Why watch UConn or South Carolina until the tourney? They're going to dominate year in and year out, and if Paige B was from Connecticut but not the top prospect, she won't be recruited by Geno. Iowa drove the numbers up because they found a phenomenal talent from inside Iowa and BAM their fanbase exploded. and the numbers skyrocketed EVERYWHERE they went. DId UConn's numbers go up as drastically in the last 5 years?

[@tammyboon6259]

Well said!!!!! I keep reading your comments than realize after the fact, when I've already written a comment back to reply to ur words a few times!!!! 😂

[@colleenposadas8415]

It was the Clark and whole Iowa effect. Great coaches, great gals, very good social media.

[@moyosoredada3109]

CC was a 5 star and the number 4 or 5 recruit. She was hardly a hidden gem. And while Iowa isnt UConn, it's still a top program that was coming off an elite 8 appearance and just had Megan Gustafon win the NPOY. The CC story and her style of play is compelling, but sometimes it feels like people want the most reductive version of both

[@Dashdaddy1]

South Carolina has been nearly sold out in all their home games before even A'ja Wilson's incredible time there. South Carolina women's basketball team has led the nation in home attendance for 10 consecutive years!

[@halfurbanhalfsuburban8219]

That is not true. Media grabbed on to the controversy because of the Angel wave! Cc nor iowa did anything. Who had the scoring record for women before CC?

[@porterwake3898]

It's all Clark

[@comfortsheriff1352]

Very interesting, Kim Mulkey and Geno are the best, Clark and Reese will be okay finally.

[@davidwaskul2821]

"The talent these days is much better than in the past because of improved training centers, better coaches, and more in - depth training from A to Z. Records are being broken and set.The level of dedication is much stronger today compared to the previous years, so it's not fair to make comparisons. Is this discussion about the player's or the coaches???? The talent pool has expanded so much that teams can be found in almost every major city. A number one draft pick has no weight in being picked for the Olympics team."

[@ClaireHomestead-pg5tc]

Great chat!

[@Starstrucknut]

I agree with Geno I hate that the W prides on their physicality I hate that it is a brawl at times … you can be physical without hacking at peoples throats which is what has happened with CC and Angel. You can be physical without hacking at their heads.

[@garywright8457]

that derived from ex-nba players coaching.

[@electrosynthclassics2002]

Coach Auriemma was careful not to mention any current college athletes, but Paige Bueckers could be the best pro player ever. She's certainly a mature and grounded individual to root for. Teamed with two scrappy freshman and two key (and W-drafted) seniors, Paige played the best basketball of her life in 2024, putting the Huskies a mere hip check away from the final game. Looking at their non-conference schedule announced so far, only South Carolina looks like a possible defeat. (God willin' and the river don't rise...). Any team would suffer by losing Aaliyah Edwards or Nika Mühl, but UConn has the best pre-season roster in many years, AND the consensus best player in the country. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both demonstrated they can compete at the pro level, but Diana and Sue will talk a lot about Paige's senior campaign.

[@johnp4471]

People are free to quit their jobs. You better treat your students well

[@user-bu4qf9ox5u]

This is so entertaining because of the two big personalities on the stage! I confess to watching it more than once. Geno's obviously the best coach to ever do it, and Kim certainly belongs at #2 among active coaches.. To her credit, C.C. isn't shy about reminding everyone that Pistol Pete set his jaw-dropping records in just *THREE* years & with *NO* 3-point shot. Seems like the media C.C. hype machine would prefer people remain ignorant on subject.

[@mrsupportfriend]

Geno is definitely the King for the past 30+ years, but currently Dawn Staley is the Queen and has won 3 national championships in a shorter period of time than Kim won her first 3. Kim has won 4 national championships and Dawn will most likely win her 4th soon.

[@colleenposadas8415]

But coach why didn't anyone else " break" Maraviches record? She did what she did.

[@ShaLuv78]

Someone did but it’s not in the record books as such.

[@Dashdaddy1]

Pearl Moore with a mens basketball and no 3 point line.

[@Grow.YT.Views.603]

Perfect timing!

[@alylewis3435]

Geno can’t stand the portal 😂 also sad he can’t fully acknowledge Caitlin’s greatness… sure, his point is fair about the record but cmon my guy …

[@FunFactswithAmani]

He needs to stand the portal because some talented players are in there. How you think Dawn found te hina?

[@helgar791]

It's my hope that these new Clark fans that know so little about basketball and the history of the game go into it loving Clark and leave loving Asia Wilson, Naphessa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Jewel Loyd.

[@PukaHeadMan]

That was great! I am so glad I clicked open this video!

[@BigJasonHenderson]

30k? Iowa played in an outdoor arena to over 50k for a scrimmage…

[@leslietclark1371]

This is so good 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@columnarbasalt4677]

"Social media" 💀 like it wasn't around for the last 10 years

[@Heralone25]

Kim Mulkey is beautiful & a goat 🐐 love her! Let’s geaux tigers, final four natty run 🐯

[@901pics]

Weve had social media for several decades...CC is the difference....thisnis not hard to figure out. Take CC out, and the league goes right back to were it was.

[@whoopdeedoo2719]

This was such a great conference!

[@mathgod]

Geno has coached hundreds of all stars. It chaps his hide to no end that the lightning in a bottle, Clark, was not his player. Probably burns him more that he could have had her. If she went to UConn she would have been great, but not transcendent.

[@stevefisher8323]

UConn didn't want her

[@iked2638]

@@stevefisher8323 because Geno doesn't like Clark's game, so he didn't recruit her

[@garywright8457]

@@iked2638 he already had Paige, smfh

[@oneiric-diary]

geno didnt want her, which is ok. cc was gonna go to notre dame anyways

[@mzbatonrougebeauty5267]

Someone asked why Lisa Bludder wasn't invited. She has no rings. She also quit as soon as clark left. Kim Mulky is the only coach that has a ring in college, assistant coach and head coach. She's the only one that brought championships to multiple universities. Baylor and LSU as head coach. She has rings at Louisiana Tech as a player and assistant coach

[@garywright8457]

she retired. obviously that's a concept and her right, that you can't understand

[@mandelharvey3429]

I tune into the game thats on with a good broadcast. Many women's broadcasting dont show the game. Fish eye lenses. Facial closeups during game play. Tracking the ball instead of showing the court. SEC games are broadcast great. I've seen great improvement in wnba broadcast this season.

[@MiguelRivera-qr1sp]

Kim is logical with kids. Geno touches their spirit n makes them question the bigger picture in life.

[@otleybethelilovetoinspire426]

Two of my absolute favorites.

[@grobble8954]

On the physical play aspect, they should have brought up the evolution of the NBA as an example, The WNBA might have an evolution too. If the play starts to deteriorate and turns into the street ball/prison rules when certain teams played, trying to match the Bad Boys Pistons rough play that won them 3 Championships. The league got to a point where they had to "cleaned up the play." Pistons would try to hurt people if you were going to get a layup or dunk on them. The league legislated that out and the fouls that were common place in that era are technical fouls now and they are quick to give out suspensions

[@AbzScotland]

Says it all when Kim refers to "Angel" and "Clark".

[@princessgoat0415]

This was good stuff.

[@michaelpinell1861]

LSU social media had people interested!!

[@pryncessdi9358]

Yup! We were interested in the game before anyone heard of CC.

[@samrcharles]

This was really good.

[@user-py3hd6pc5x]

NCAA versus WNBA… worth watching 2023 Iowa versus Louisville take away: first 40 point triple double in history by CCC-22; Iowa team mates play unselfishly; CCC-22 team mates catch her passes; team mates finish their shots- they make lay ups; teammates support the finest baller in the history of college ball. Coaches Bluder and Jensen know how to handle their players for MAXIMUM TEAM OUTCOME. Fire SIDES.

[@paulsamora1348]

I thought both coaches made excellent points, it just depends on how the viewers are comprehending what they are saying, they hear what they want to hear. What they shied away from is what everyone avoids when talking about the W and that is the LGBTQ/social justice narrative that the W continues to shove down people's throats. Geno was correct when he mentioned that the Olympics do not need a drawing card and Coach Mulkey was correct when she said the 12 best players should be selected. You can bet there will be a few tweaks to that process forthcoming. For me personally I have never bought into professional players participating in the Olympics, it was more exciting watching the amateurs/college players. I also understand that ship has sailed today.

[@derekgreenan450]

Politics of the day. Not the garbage you're trying to pass off

[@jaclpz]

CC 💛

[@crystalj3617]

I love Geno’s realness! He speaking logically.

[@sulleys1929]

He is speaking spitefully not logically.

[@anerby1]

Two words Caitlin Clark

[@Pucci_D]

NO CC WITHOUT ANGEL. There's no interest in an Antagonist without a Protagonist.

[@mathgod]

@@Pucci_DI would agree, but Angel is the antagonist.

[@sulleys1929]

@@Pucci_D Hardly. CC is selling out crowds EVERYWHERE she plays not just when she plays Angel. The WNBA doesn't need Angel there are plenty of players trying to be Caitlin Clark's nemeses. But the WNBA NEEDS Caitlin Clark. If Caitlin Clark were to get injured and was out for the rest of the season - then say goodbye to all the new money! If Angel Reese were to get injured and out for the season it would make no difference.

[@mexrider1]

Angel Resse is the reason why there is so much attention.. Without her, nothing happens

[@imtholly9358]

It’s pure sport & entertainment As soon as it’s politicized folks will move to another pure entertainment

[@BigJasonHenderson]

CC does it everywhere. Angel doesn’t. All top viewership records this year involve Indiana. Chicago is only involved when they play Indiana. Attendance is not even close either… (5/14/24) Washington Mystics vs New York Liberty @ Entertainment & Sports Arena: 4,200 Tickets Sold (No Concert Scheduled at Capital One Arena) (6/6/24) Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky @ Capital One Arena: 10,000 Tickets Sold (Capped Due To Insufficient Demand For Upper Deck) (6/7/24) Washington Mystics vs Indiana Fever @ Capital One Arena: 20,333 Tickets Sold (Mystics Record $1+ Million Ticket Sales and 6th Largest Attended WNBA Game Of All-Time) (6/14/24) Washington Mystics vs Chicago Sky @ Entertainment & Sports Arena: 4,200 Tickets Sold (Concert Conflict at Capital One Arena) (6/29/24) Washington Mystics vs Las Vegas Aces @ Entertainment & Sports Arena: 4,200 Tickets Sold (No Concert Scheduled at Capital One Arena) Note: Only about 400 tickets difference between largest attended WNBA game of all time and Indiana Fever. If they play in a large enough arena, they will easily be #1. For haters who think Angel could have sold out Capital One Arena if they opened up the rest of the arena, here’s an article illustrating how arenas will open up seats when there’s a demand. They didn’t open up the upper deck of Capital One Arena because there wasn’t enough demand, but they did open it up for CC and the Indiana Fever because there was demand. Sorry to hurt your feelings. Phoenix Mercury release additional tickets to see Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark amid demand www.abc15.com/sports/phoenix-mercury-release-additional-tickets-to-see-indiana-fever-caitlin-clark-amid-demand (5/18/24) New York Liberty Vs Indiana Fever @ Barclay Center: 17,735 in Tickets Sold (All-time WNBA Gate Record of $2+ Million In Ticket Sales) “That's incredible. I think the buzz and just the eyes that Caitlin has brought from Iowa now to the WNBA is gonna be a collective win for all," Breanna Stewart (5/23/24) New York Liberty Vs Chicago Sky @ Barclay Center: 12,049 Tickets Sold (NYL Average Attendance is 12,586) (6/2/24) New York Liberty Vs Indiana Fever @ Barclay Center:: 17,401 Tickets Sold (6/22/24) New York Liberty Vs Los Angeles Sparks @ Barclay Center: 13,639 Tickets Sold [5/31/2024] Atlanta Dream vs Las Vegas Aces @ Gateway Center: 4,015 Tickets Sold (5,000 Capacity) (6/6/2024) Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty @ Gateway Center: 3,255 Tickets Sold (5,000 Capacity) (6/21/2024) Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever @ State Farm Arena: 17,575 Tickets Sold [Franchise Record] (7/2/2024) Atlanta Dream vs Chicago @ Gateway Center: 3,260 Tickets Sold (No Concert or Conflict at State Farm Arena) (8/26/2024) Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever @ State Farm Arena: Tickets Available [9/17/2024) Atlanta Dream vs Chicago @ Gateway Center: [Regular Tickets Sellout - Season Tickets Available - But Not Moving To State Farm Arena - No Concert Or Other Event Scheduled] (5/24/24) LA Sparks vs Indiana Fever @ Crypto Arena: 19,103 Tickets Sold (More than Lakers) (6/9/24) LA Sparks vs Las Vegas Aces @ Crypto Arena: 13,900 Tickets Sold (7/6/24) LA Sparks vs Las Vegas Aces @ Crypto Arena: 13,840 (5/30/24) Seattle Storm Vs Indiana Fever @ Climate Pledge Arena: 18,343 Tickets Sold (Franchise Record For Seattle) (6/4/24) Seattle Storm Vs Phoenix Mercury @ Climate Pledge Arena - 8.910 Tickets Sold (6/27/24) Seattle Storm Vs Indiana Fever @ Climate Pledge Arena - 18,343 Tickets Sold (Tied For Franchise Record) (7/6/24) Seattle Storm vs Chicago Sky @ Climate Pledge Arena - 10,725 Tickets Sold

[@princessgoat0415]

39:29 see this why i love kim cause i love physical play lol

[@richardedmiston3756]

Man,Kim Mulkey is right about social media!

[@territobey1741]

CC’s success is because of social media?? FB is 20 years old, Twitter 18 years, instagram 14 years, etc.’s stop trying to undermine this moment! Embrace it! Enjoy it! Allow us to enjoy it because all of your talk and analysis is sucking the life out of what we find exciting just shut up and enjoy the ride

[@danielwainaina7501]

Old guy in denial

[@topgun298]

Caitlin Clark

[@mexrider1]

Angel Resse

[@spotchris2506]

This is hilarious. Check the 2 top selling jerseys in the world. better than watching Archie Bunker..BD

[@oneiric-diary]

thank u mulkey for bringing up angel

[@angelospagnol6207]

Pete, freshman. Yes...! Variety....

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

why didnt you talk to the coach whose team got all these eyes on women's basketball? It wasn't these two. Geno has a bunch of titles, but they didnt sell out their arena. Kim might give Iowa some credit, Geno never will.

[@brennankaneyt]

I'm watching for Angel but Angel's fans are some how nobodies and we all know why that is

[@neilkokemuller7841]

@@brennankaneyt Yeah; rebounds and 3-foot shots aren't exciting.

[@JPPatrick530]

​@@brennankaneyt Angel's fans aren't the numbers that CC's.

[@crystalj3617]

Definitely needed Dawn on this panel!

[@michaelpinell1861]

I'm sorry boo. You have the lady, Kim Mulkey, whose team got eyes first. Don't get it twisted Angel's trash talk started the conversation, not Caitlin's play.

[@loubrz9455]

It’s Caitlin!

[@tko8218]

Lots of clueless Caitlin Clark fans here.

[@ramonpunsalang3397]

It's only s 40-minute game in the WNBA. Not enough minutes for 11 players, let alone12.

[@fabianmusefano6402]

I admire Geno, but I think he's still salty for losing to Caitlin Clark in the Final Four and because of their history. Apparently, he refused to give Clark an opportunity to join Connecticut and didn't even want to call her. And now, he's being forced to talk about her in every interview he does. Life can work in mysterious ways.

[@tammyboon6259]

That's interesting, I'm from Canada 🇨🇦 & live in Canada & I know nothing about College Basketball in the U.S. BUT I can tell u that CC has become worldwide known Internationally!!!!!!!!! I've seen ppl who have been watching CC since her College yrs from the Philippines, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and Bosnia in pretty sm pool!!!! In many ways, at least in Canada she's like the female Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson!!!!!! Caitlin Clark's become a household name!!!!!! I had NEVER watched U.S. Women's College Basketball games till C.C!!!!!

[@RoccoRodrigo]

But Pete didnt. It is what it is. No excuses. If this if that. If I would have just made one more putt....

[@LeeJefferson-vo7fx]

Geno sound old and bitter 😂😂😂

[@joeykremple]

Gino's acting like social media didn't exist almost 20 years ago with Facebook. Social media was super mainstream by 2012. Yet women's hoops wasn't nearly as big today. The correct answer is that fans found a player they loved to watch: Caitlin Clark.

[@breezybreeze12]

🎯

[@tammyboon6259]

Yea!!! I was a little surprised by Gino's answer. It also bothers that Angel Reese was being treated as a victim of social media, when she herself has CONT'D TO PUT HERSELF OUT THERE!!!!! She doesn't wants to talk to Media only when it's on her term & it's positive about her!!!! The lack of accountability & professionalism in the WNBA is a staggering!!!! I DO however agree w/ Gino when he said, 'U either get EXPOSURE or you get EXPOSED?!' The WNBA is definitely getting EXPOSED!!!

[@crystalj3617]

Gino is correct! He is referring to the early 2000s & social media was not a thing! I’ve watched since back then and the same caliber of player existed then as it is now!

[@princessgoat0415]

Tik tok and reels were not a thing back then. Please stop. People were not using youtube as frequently as they are now. U can literally clip hightlights into 60 seconds now and add effects for more dramatics to get people to tune in. Its way different than back then.

[@supablack]

20 years ago FB was not poppin.. only thing was MySpace, yahoo chat, black planet.. chat sites not news sites.. FOH

[@AbzScotland]

Jealousy is not only in the players but the coaches also. They would have a problem with the Olympics committee if they had coached CC223D. "Its a tough life to be a coach" - Cry me a river.

[@anerby1]

Why is he so bothered by Caitlin Clark wow... he didn't want her when she was in high school he still doesn't like her today... what the heck

[@ninacruise]

Because he's seen and coached better players. He's not that impressed!

[@MsGoodyTwoShoes]

@@ninacruisethese cult members think that everyone should worship the person who didn’t win a NCAA championship the same way they do😂

[@mathgod]

Clark could have been good at UConn. She wouldn’t have broken records there. She didn’t win a chip, so what. UConn reloads every year. Geno will play for championships for another decade or two. Let’s appreciate the unforeseen moment we have.

[@colleenposadas8415]

​bull. That's not what he said

[@Reena.capsalot]

Cause he seen and coach half the best players in the league he’s not that impressed

[@patrickm8894]

We are watching CC. Take her out. We are out.

[@toxiclevel8790]

Clark and only Clark. 22🔥🔥

[@michaellast1224]

The answer to the first is two words: Caitlin Clark.

[@ak-xp4hp]

You're literally proving his response to be accurate. There were plenty of women before Caitlin that were Caitlin before she was and before you mention the scoring record, the woman she took the record from is currently in the WNBA right now. Also a "before Caitlin" Caitlin

[@deut81718]

What you talking about old man?! CaitlIn Clark and other rookies are tue reason why we have wnba this year! I personally watching w because of one thing, CAITLIN CLARK!!!! I don’t watch basketball anymore!! She makes me do again!! And i don’t think im alone! The player and the character of Caitlin!!

[@EetsBack]

Geno should have let Mulkey speak first saying ‘beauty before brains’.

[@YourAccess2me]

Why do they not stand up for Caitlin Clark and say that it is not just Angel Reese getting torn apart by social media? That is the reason people feel so protective of Caitlin... people can see she is focused on basketball and she stays out of all the mean social media. But people still try to ruin her. So much gets put on Caitlin's shoulders to the point she is suppose to try to stop racial and social problems in the WNBA. What else are they going to ask her to solve... World Peace?

[@varj7]

Mick, you obviously believe more is better. lol it’s not. I’ll give you A+ for effort, but quality is dropping to a dismal c- at best.

[@kairandbellinger1973]

Geno said "Ah... I'd Say its complicated". You're a joke! You are not helping Womens BB with your emotions. Both of these coaches need a good talking down to by Steven a Smith.

[@kayelisejay18]

Geno can talk to him. Kim has giving CC enough credit.

[@kairandbellinger1973]

@@kayelisejay18 Thank you for the response. Its an important conversation. KIM giving enought credit? Maybe, Geno - no credit is given, He backs his players NOT the growth of the game. - But right now, there is a huge split, and it doesn't feel good at all. Im not here because of the final four, or a player who decided to act unsportsmen-like, or some rivalry, NO I'm here because of one player 'CC' who brought me back with her style of play. I have not met one of my friends (Former players or/and coaches) these NEW fans who buy into what they're saying - that we are here for any other reason. - I don't care about Chicago or Phoenix - I like watching great basketball. And yes there are amazing women players. Now that I'm here, I'm learning about all of them. But many - their poor attitude turns me off 100% from the WNBA as a whole. The decision to treat one player with such disrespect is truly amazing and shocking! I'm not alone - my sports bars and fellow coaches are upset with how CC has been treated. Thats real. And these two coaches know its real. They could heal the divide? or They can,, in this interview forsake and talk around CC in-front of the world.

[@amcasanave]

How many championships has Steven A won?

[@kairandbellinger1973]

@@amcasanave 12 million a year! LOL! - Oh you believe in participation trophies. And you believe that Lewis Hamilton is the greatest F1 driver because he has the most world titles? Oh, do you messure ring counts for the greatest NBA player? How many of Geno's players are retired with generational wealth? How Many?

[@tko8218]

You need to read who Geno is. He's the GOAT in women's basketball coaching.

[@henley7012]

It took 54 years for a player, any player, to break Pete's points record, and it was NOT a man but a woman who broke his point record. These two coaches make the mistake of lumping Caitlin in with other players. Caitlin is unique. She alone guarantees a sell out every time she plays regardless of where she plays. No other player can do that. Caitlin has unique skills no other player has that is why she alone rewrote the college record book, every record was re-broken by Caitlin. She is as unique today as Maravich was in his time.

[@kayelisejay18]

I get your point. CC's bread and butter is her logo 3's that practices everyday so of course you gon perfect it. But I get what Geno said. To be honest people wasn't focused on making 3's from the logo back in the day but now they are. Once again it's levels to it. Geno has put a lot of talented players in W just as well as Kim that won championships at two programs. Iowa has CC that didn't win any championships but she scored a lot of points and brought the fans to the game which is amazing.

[@geraldos9094]

Cmon, let’s be logical here. The most points in college basketball is the most overrated record. You have greats like Lebron and Kobe that didn’t play college, went straight to professional and dominated. Imagine if Lebron was forced to play 4 years college what his career points would’ve been. The good men players go straight to pro, women have to completed college eligibility or be 4 years removed from high school.

[@williamdee3080]

Wow, this Connecticut coach is full 0f it ,talking his word salad ,social media was there way before Caitlin Clark .What is he talking about. SMH

[@angelospagnol6207]

Catlin Clark..... winnings....😂

[@angelospagnol6207]

Pete, freshman!

[@MrSoulauctioneer]

very few=NONE.

[@user-zd7ko1ei3k]

Still, evading the topic of Caitlin Clark!

[@johnsteward132]

And the bigger aidience expects PRO BASKETBALL. Not streetball. Not ACTIVIST Ball. NOT LET SOME DUDES PLAY WITH US BALL. BUT PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL ! AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR AS WELL.

[@user-zd7ko1ei3k]

These two legendary coaches can not accept that Lisa Bluder developed Caitlin Clark into a formidable baller to the extent of impeding their own success in basketball!!!

[@LeeJefferson-vo7fx]

Geno mad caitlin clark and angel reese getting all the attention 😂😂😂😂😂