Dave Portnoy Defends Caitlin Clark's Popularity

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has publicly defended Caitlin Clark amid criticisms suggesting her popularity is due to her being white, especially in comparison to fellow player Paige Bueckers. Portnoy highlighted the stark difference in viewership numbers between their respective NCAA tournaments, with Clark's 2024 championship game drawing a record 18.9 million viewers, compared to 8.5 million for Bueckers' 2025 game. He argues that the viewership data disproves claims that Clark's popularity is based on race, as both players are white. Portnoy has consistently praised Clark's impact on women's basketball, noting that she has been central to significant viewership increases in both college and WNBA games. Clark, now a player for the Indiana Fever, continues to draw attention as a leading figure in the sport, and Portnoy remains a staunch supporter of her career. Bueckers is set to join the WNBA, where she will likely continue to be compared to Clark.