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3mo ago

LeSean McCoy Calls Caitlin Clark the Most Influential Women’s Athlete Ever on Speakeasy

His claim drew on-air pushback invoking Serena Williams, sharpening debate over Clark’s outsized role in the WNBA’s surge.

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Sep 7, 2025; Washington, Baltimore, MD, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs autographs for fans before a game between the Washington Mystics and the Indiana Fever at CFG Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images.

Overview

  • The former NFL running back made the pronouncement during Tuesday’s Speakeasy episode after a segment on the “most influential white athlete.”
  • McCoy argued that few watched women’s basketball before Clark’s rise and likened her impact to Steph Curry’s influence on the NBA.
  • Co-hosts and commentators immediately challenged the assertion by citing Serena Williams’ decades-long global legacy.
  • Reports revisit Clark’s rapid ascent with Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA honors, alongside a 2025 campaign limited to 13 games in which she averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists.
  • Coverage credits Clark with driving WNBA gains in TV ratings, attendance and merchandise, while an ESPN executive recently described her as a “gateway” bringing in fans the league seeks to keep.