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.

Candace Parker criticizes networks for burying women's sports for many years
Candace Parker

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.

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.