"You need people to tune in" - Theo Von puts a positive spin on WNBA d*ldo controversy with Caitlin Clark's absence affecting ratings

The WNBA has been shrouded in an unnecessary controversy of late, with di*dos being thrown on the court during games. However, comedian Theo Von put a positive spin on this narrative, explaining that it has helped gain viewers in Caitlin Clark's continued absence.

On his This Past Weekend podcast on Thursday, Von discussed the s*x toy incidents in the WNBA. He claimed the league should "embrace" this controversy, calling it "free advertising."

"I mean, look, I think you have to embrace it. You don't get free advertising like this a lot," Von said (3:13 onwards).

Von believed the incident kept audiences engaged while highlighting Clark's long absence from the league due to an injury.

"Caitlin Clark's out. She's been injured a decent amount this season. So, you need people to tune in," he continued.

Caitlin Clark’s absence has taken a toll on ratings. The star guard has dealt with three separate injuries this season, with her current groin issue sidelining her for nine straight games.

According to a report by Legion Hoops on X (formerly Twitter), television ratings have gone down by 55% amid her injury.

"WNBA television ratings are currently down 55% since Caitlin Clark’s injury," the caption read.

Despite Von’s claims, the d*ldo incidents have become a serious concern for the WNBA. The first occurred during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Valkyries and has since been repeated in Chicago and Los Angeles. Despite the growing number of incidents, the league has been unable to catch the perpetrator.

Theo Von once opened up on his first WNBA game experience while showing support for Caitlin Clark's ex-teammate

Theo Von once offered his honest thoughts on the WNBA after experiencing a live game in July 2024. The comedian was courtside for a Las Vegas Aces game and showed his support for Caitlin Clark's ex-Iowa teammate Kate Martin.

Expressing his thoughts about the game, Von seemed stoked about the experience and confessed his love for women's basketball and Martin.

"I went to a game this past weekend in Las Vegas. I'm a Kate Martin fan. I'm not gonna sit in the closet anymore, I am a Kate Martin fan, Von said.

"And, you know, for some people, it's almost like admitting they're using drugs or whatever. For me, it's not like that. I became an Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Women's hoops." (0:51 onwards)

Since his admission, Von has discussed the WNBA on numerous occasions and often appears alongside Kate Martin away from basketball.

About the author

Arian Kashyap is a basketball journalist at Sportskeeda with over two years of experience at Essentially Sports and Spice Bite and a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Sciences.

Arian's favorite team is the Miami Heat and it’s mainly down to Dwyane Wade being his favorite player of all time. Arian loved how explosive Wade was as a player and he had all the attributes, whether that be shooting, defending or passing. Arian really liked how he won titles both with and without a dynasty behind him.

Arian has also worked with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was the manager for a Delhi-based women’s team called Garwhal Untied. Garwhal won the Delhi league and were runners-up during his tenure.

Arian has judged essay writing competitions for the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India in 2023 and was a part of the U-14 team for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools academy that qualified for the AIFF Round in 2023.

When not working or watching sports, Arian likes riding his motorcycle and reading.

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Edited by Bhargav