Emmanuel Acho crowned Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark as the face of the WNBA, using four-time NBA champion LeBron James as a reference.
In Tuesday’s episode of “Speakeasy,” Acho discussed NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s comments that the league is waiting for James’ free agency to unfold. The former NFL linebacker said that with Silver’s comment, he believes that James is still the face of the NBA.
Acho said that Clark has the same effect in the WNBA as James has in the NBA.
“A’ja Wilson doesn’t dictate the WNBA schedule, Caitlin Clark does,” Acho said (Timestamp: 1:23:42). “So, with that being said, to me, the face of the league is the person who dictates when games are being played. … Like, the face of the league is the one that they have to choose when we want your face to be shown.”
On Thursday, Silver said the league is waiting on James’ free agency decision to finalize its schedule next season. According to him, the four-time champion’s next team will affect the broadcast schedule of the league’s media partners, especially around several holidays.
“We have to finish up the schedule and where LeBron plays affects the schedule,” Silver said at a CNBC event. “It will influence how we set the schedule — opening week, Christmas. So, I need him to make a decision.”
Acho’s comments on Tuesday seemed to be a contrast to his controversial Caitlin Clark take last month, which earned flak from fans and fellow pundits. In an episode of “Speakeasy” on June 28, Acho called the three-time WNBA All-Star a “distraction” and claimed the league doesn’t need her anymore.
Caitlin Clark declines to participate in All-Star 3-point contest
The WNBA released the list of the 2026 All-Star 3-point contest participants on Tuesday. All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Marina Mabrey highlight the competitors, alongside 2026 No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd. Also participating are Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman and Janelle Salaün.
One notable omission is Caitlin Clark, who is regarded among the best 3-point shooters in the WNBA. According to USA Today’s Meghan Hall on Tuesday, a source said the Indiana Fever star declined the invitation to participate in the yearly contest.
Two-time 3-point contest champion Sabrina Ionescu and Minnesota Lynx star Kayla McBride were also reportedly invited but declined.
Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos