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‘Caitlin Clark is going to explode’ – Fans explode as WNBA considers buying back 16% of its shares amid lockout fears

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📂 **Category**: WNBA

✅ **What You’ll Learn**:

With fears of a potential lockout looming, the NBA is reportedly considering buying back the stake it sold in 2021 after the pandemic-shortened season. Fans online reacted quickly to rumors of a buyback plan, suggesting the league’s continued growth.

According to Anna Costabile of Front Office Sports, the WNBA is exploring the option of buying back the 16% stake it sold to a group of investors during a difficult time for the league.

Back in 2021, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert led the stock sale to a group of buyers that included Nike, several league owners, former NBA player Pau Gasol and former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. They bought it for $75 million, which is now valued at about $475 million, according to FOS.

WNBA fans have been quick to react to the potential buyback rumors, because it means the league is growing. Some pointed out that Caitlin Clark is helping drive the growth of women’s basketball, while others mocked the league’s decision amid the possibility of a shutdown.

Below are some comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Who will sell now? CC will explode, JuJu will come soon… No, I’ll stick together

Because of CC, say her name

From the beginning until now, they have failed to recognize Kaitlyn Clarke’s influence and value in the league.

I am waiting? Sell ​​low, buy high?

I don’t see any investor wanting to sell their stake this early in the game

That commissioner destroyed the legitimacy of the league.

For those who do not know, the league owns only 42% of its shares. It was previously a 50/50 stake with the NBA, but Cathy Engelbert’s return in 2021 means each league’s ownership drops by eight percent.

The WNBPA remains adamant that it wants a larger share of total revenue and a higher salary cap. Their latest proposal, which the league has not commented on publicly, is for the union to ask for a 30% stake and a $10.5 million salary cap.

Sophie Cunningham reacts to the WNBA Players Association impasse

Sophie Cunningham reacts to the WNBA Players Association impasse. (Photo: Imang)Sophie Cunningham reacts to the WNBA Players Association impasse. (Photo: Imang)
Sophie Cunningham reacts to the WNBA Players Association impasse. (Photo: Imang)

Speaking on the latest episode of the “Show Me Something” podcast with co-host West Wilson, Sophie Cunningham made her feelings clear about the impasse between the WNBA and the Players Association. Cunningham believes a closure will happen.

“Our CBA is so stupid right now,” Cunningham said, according to Sports Illustrated. “It’s heading towards a shutdown. … We get weekly emails from the PA, which is so stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.”

Cunningham added that no progress has been made in the comprehensive partnership agreement negotiations that began more than 18 months ago. Both sides could go on strike, with the union still waiting for the league’s decision or response to their latest proposal submitted last month.