The Joe Pomp Show INTERVIEW: Christine Brennan on Writing Caitlin Clark’s Unauthorized Biography
Jul 22, 2025
Christine Brennan, a renowned USA Today Sports Columnist and author of 'On Her Game,' dives into Caitlin Clark's groundbreaking influence on women's basketball. She shares how Clark's arrival forced the WNBA to reconsider its structure, including the implementation of charter flights for players. The conversation also touches on Clark's controversial exclusion from the 2024 Olympic team and examines the media's role in shaping perceptions of female athletes. Brennan's insights reveal both the challenges and triumphs of a rising star in today's sports landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
WNBA Unprepared For Scrutiny
- The WNBA was unprepared for national media scrutiny and high-level sports journalism during the DeJanae Carrington incident.
- Female athletes should be asked direct, tough questions just like male athletes to maintain journalistic integrity.
Clark Transcended Women's Basketball
- Caitlin Clark's arrival was the biggest moment for the WNBA since Maya Moore, yet the league vastly underestimated her impact.
- Clark transcended women's basketball, drawing fans who had never watched the sport before and significantly increasing TV ratings and attendance.
WNBA's Racial Dynamics and Challenges
- The WNBA is predominantly a 74% Black league, which affects league dynamics and reactions to Caitlin Clark's prominence.
- The league and its leadership failed to prepare players for the societal and racial complexities Clark's arrival would provoke.
