Doug Gottlieb is no stranger to controversy, but his latest comments on the WNBA have ignited a firestorm. In response to reports that Caitlin Clark ranked only ninth among guards in All-Star voting by fellow WNBA players, Gottlieb didn’t hold back.
The Fox Sports Radio host claimed the result reflected more than just a popularity gap. It revealed, in his view, a deeper issue within the league.
“They’re all jealous of her,” Gottlieb said on his show. “And we’re all just amazed because guys must hide it better, because this doesn’t happen in real professional sports. That’s why the WNBA is not a real professional sport.”
Accusations of Jealousy and “Amateur” Behavior
Gottlieb’s take centered around what he perceives as jealousy toward Clark from within the league. He argued that the voting outcome reinforces negative stereotypes and undermines the legitimacy of the WNBA.
“You’re acting like amateurs, or you’re acting like the negative stereotypes about women being catty, jealous, insecure creatures,” he said. “Whatever it is, it’s just a terrible look.”
His comments come amid ongoing debates about Clark’s role in the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity. While Clark leads in fan support and media attention, her peers appear to be sending a different message. One Gottlieb claims reflects poorly on the league.
WNBA Fans and Critics React Swiftly
Gottlieb’s remarks didn’t go unnoticed. Fans, players, and media figures quickly took to social media to push back against his characterization of the WNBA as “not real” or “amateur.”
Supporters of the league pointed out that player voting often reflects locker room dynamics, personal experience, and defensive matchups, not just fame. Others accused Gottlieb of leveraging sexist tropes to spark controversy.
Whether you agree with Doug Gottlieb or not, one thing is clear — his comments about the WNBA have reignited conversations about respect, professionalism, and how women’s sports are covered in the media. As the league continues to grow in viewership and sponsorship, this kind of scrutiny is likely only the beginning.
Read More: 10 Reasons Caitlin Clark Is the Most Famous Basketball Star Under 30
