Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is speaking out against those who claim that Caitlin Clark’s widespread appeal is largely due to her race. Following the conclusion of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Portnoy took to social media to push back against narratives he considers unfair and misleading, especially those attributing Clark’s success primarily to being white.
Portnoy compared two national championship games to highlight what he sees as a major flaw in the argument. In 2024, Caitlin Clark led Iowa against South Carolina in the finals, and that game drew an impressive 18.9 million viewers. A year later, Paige Bueckers—also a white player—took UConn to the championship against the same South Carolina team, but the game only brought in 8.5 million viewers. Using this sharp drop in viewership, Portnoy questioned why Clark’s game attracted 10 million more viewers if race were the main factor. “Explain that,” he challenged critics, “I’ll hang up and listen.”
His post ignited fresh debate online, with many supporters praising his direct approach. Portnoy’s argument isn’t just about numbers; it’s about challenging a growing chorus that downplays Clark’s skill and dedication in favor of divisive identity-based narratives. He believes that credit should be given where it’s due—and in his view, Clark’s record-breaking performances are the main reason behind her meteoric rise in the sport, not her background.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark herself is preparing for her second year in the WNBA. After a stellar rookie season in which she earned Rookie of the Year, All-Star recognition, and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, she’s focused on building her game further. Reports suggest that she’s putting in serious work off the court—working on her strength, refining her shooting range, and adding finesse moves like floaters to her arsenal.
As her professional journey continues, Clark remains a headline name not only for what she represents off the court but for how she performs on it. With major additions to her team, including seasoned players like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, expectations for Clark’s sophomore season are higher than ever. Yet beyond all the controversy and debates, what remains clear is that Caitlin Clark has changed the landscape of women’s basketball—and people are watching, not because of the color of her skin, but because of the fire she brings to every game.
