Sunny Hostin from “The View” argued that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s popularity was due in part to “pretty privilege” and “White privilege.” Hostin acknowledged that these privileges exist and influence society’s views on individuals. She also mentioned the struggles faced by WNBA players like Brittney Griner, who had to play in Russia because they weren’t paid enough in the United States. Hostin emphasized the importance of recognizing these privileges, particularly in the context of race and LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
“The View” co-hosts also discussed former ESPN host Jemele Hill’s assertion that Clark’s popularity was tied to her race and sexuality. Hostin expressed support for Clark bringing attention and financial benefits to the WNBA, but highlighted the challenges faced by Black and LGBTQ+ players in the league. She called for an end to stigmas surrounding LGBTQ+ athletes and emphasized the need for greater inclusivity and acceptance in sports.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, another co-host, shared her positive experience as a fan of the WNBA because of Caitlin Clark. She stressed that her admiration for Clark’s talent had nothing to do with her race, indicating that fans appreciate athletes for their skills and abilities rather than external factors like appearance or ethnicity. Hostin and Goldberg, who have long advocated for the WNBA, highlighted the exceptional talents of the players in the league, including those who are often marginalized or overlooked.
Caitlin Clark’s success and national recognition due to her standout performances at the University of Iowa were noted, as she became the all-time leading scorer in Division I NCAA women’s basketball history. Despite facing scrutiny regarding her popularity, Goldberg defended Clark’s accomplishments, attributing her attention to her exceptional skills on the court. The co-hosts rejected attempts to diminish Clark’s achievements based on her race or sexuality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing her talent above all else.
Jemele Hill, in response to the discussion, criticized brands like Nike for not sponsoring more diverse players in the WNBA. Hill called attention to the erasure of Black women athletes in the sports industry and advocated for greater visibility and support for these players. Despite Clark’s lucrative brand deals with Nike and Wilson, Hill stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure that Black women athletes are not marginalized within the league they have helped build and continue to shape.
Overall, the conversation on “The View” highlighted the complexities surrounding privilege, representation, and inclusivity in sports, particularly in the context of Caitlin Clark’s rising popularity in the WNBA. The co-hosts emphasized the need to address stigmas and biases faced by marginalized athletes, advocating for a more inclusive and accepting environment in the sports industry. Despite challenges and critiques, Clark’s success was celebrated for her talent and achievements, underscoring the importance of recognizing athletes based on their skills rather than external factors.
