3x champ Dawn Staley credits Caitlin Clark for women basketball’s rapid success

Dawn Staley praised the transformative impact Caitlin Clark's arrival at the WNBA has had in terms of popularity. Staley was highly criticized for her remarks about Clark last week when she revealed why Clark did not make the USA Olympic roster.

On Thursday at the fourth annual Forbes and Know Your Value '50 Over 50' summit, the South Carolina coach discussed the growing popularity of women's sports with Maggie McGrath, who asked Staley why it took women's basketball so long to gain mainstream recognition.

"Well, I think sometimes you need a unifier. I think Caitlin Clark has done a tremendous job at being that person people want to see," Staley said. "And it is the young, the old it is, she's brought the different set of eyeballs on our game. Now we're being talked about on talk radio, all the talk shows, all the podcasts."

"And now we're seeing not only Caitlin but all the rest of the talented young ladies that, we didn't dare to cover for one reason or another. But now, it's a popular thing to talk about women's basketball and it's a great thing. I'm so happy that I'm alive and well to witness and to be a part of it."

Women's basketball has faced many challenges, such as fewer resources and lower pay compared to men. However, in the past few years, there has been a significant surge in popularity with the rise of players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson and more.

Moreover, there has been more media coverage, sponsorships, and fan engagement. The WNBA is witnessing record numbers in viewership and attendance.

Stephen A. Smith calls out Dawn Staley regarding her decision about Caitlin Clark

NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized Team USA for not picking the Indiana Fever star on the Olympic roster. One of the many people he blamed was three-time national champion coach Dawn Staley.

"How does it feel, Team USA? To have six games — four of them drew over 20,000 — and the one that didn’t still drew 2,000 more than you," Smith said. "Well, guess what, ladies and gentlemen? That’s why you should’ve had Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, because they’re a draw.

"The great Dawn Staley, who I revere by the way, 'If she was playing the way then the way she's playing now…' Well, wait a minute," Smith added. "You know she had the potential. You know, playing amongst other stars with her marksmanship, she could’ve made things happen ... But, you didn’t care."

Dawn Staley, who will enter her 19th year as the head coach of South Carolina, has her eyes set on a back-to-back NCAA championship trophy.