Dan Dakich: WNBA 'collapsed under the weight' of Caitlin Clark-era spotlight
The WNBA has experienced explosive growth over the past two seasons, finally capturing the national spotlight it long sought. But with that attention has come intense scrutiny, and critics say the league is struggling to handle the pressure.
Former Indiana University interim coach and current sportscaster Dan Dakich argues the league has failed to rise to the occasion, particularly in its handling of Iowa native Caitlin Clark's superstar moment.
Dakich: League 'fallen under the weight' of expectations
On a recent episode of his podcast, Dakich did not mince words when describing the WNBA's performance under the microscope.
“You're being scrutinized. You're being scrutinized like a professional sports league. Period... You're being scrutinized, and you all have fallen under the weight. You've collapsed under the weight,” Dakich said.
He reminded the league that it actively sought this level of recognition.
“You wanted to put yourself on the same level of other professional basketball, football, baseball, hockey, whatever leagues across the country... Be careful what you wish for. You wished to be considered a major league,” he added.
Clark's impact undeniable, says Dakich
Dakich emphasized the central role Clark has played in the league's resurgence. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star has drawn record crowds and television ratings since entering the league with the Indiana Fever.
While some have pushed back on crediting Clark's impact, pointing instead to other factors, Dakich argued the league cannot ignore the obvious.
“So, you are now because of one woman, Caitlin Clark, and her popularity coming out of Iowa, the way she plays, the way she conducts herself. And y'all now are crying about it because you haven't handled it... Now, think about that. Nobody is creating these narratives, young ladies, except for you all,” he said.
Staley: Growing pains are part of the process
WNBA legend Dawn Staley acknowledged the league faces challenges but framed them as part of the natural evolution that even the NBA experienced.
“All the big pieces and all the things that are happening from a racial standpoint, from an officiating standpoint, are great. They're great because the NBA went through it -- the NBA went through all of it... We will get through it,” the six-time All-Star said.
Staley, who coaches the University of South Carolina women's team, urged patience and perspective.
“It's an incredible product that we're missing out on because we got distractions every time. There's something great happening. There are always distractions placed in your life, but you got to be able to handle them,” she continued.
What's next for the WNBA?
The WNBA now faces a defining moment in its history. The league must navigate its newfound popularity while addressing internal issues, from officiating to player conduct to building on Clark's star power.
For Iowa fans who packed arenas to watch Clark dominate in college, the question is whether the league can match the moment. Dakich's critique suggests the WNBA still has work to do.
As the league continues its growth trajectory, the pressure to perform at a major-league level will only intensify.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section.