The American soccer scene is currently grappling with a fascinating dilemma, one that echoes the challenges faced by the WNBA during the Caitlin Clark era. As the United States men's national team strides into the World Cup, the country is experiencing a rare moment of sports unity. Flags are flying, bars are bustling, and even casual fans are joining in the excitement. This is a dream come true for American soccer enthusiasts, right?
However, beneath this euphoria lies a darker undercurrent. Some gatekeepers within the soccer media seem perturbed by this newfound popularity. They wanted growth, but only on their terms. They wanted the right kind of fans, with the right political leanings, speaking the right language. This gatekeeping mentality is not unique to soccer; it's a mindset that reared its head during the WNBA's Caitlin Clark boom.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
For years, the WNBA yearned for more attention, more respect, and a broader fan base. Then Caitlin Clark arrived, and overnight, she delivered all of that and more. She brought a diverse audience: Iowa fans, men, women, families, and even gamblers. Clark turned the WNBA into a topic of discussion on sports shows and news programs. She convinced people who had never watched a WNBA game to give it a chance. In essence, she brought the mainstream to the league.
But with this mainstream appeal came a backlash. Players, team owners, coaches, and media members started acting as if an unwanted guest had crashed their party. The comments made by Emmanuel Acho, suggesting the WNBA would be better off without Clark, are a prime example of this gatekeeping mentality. It's a disturbing trend that reveals a deep-seated issue within sports culture.
The Soccer Gatekeepers
Similarly, American soccer is now facing a reckoning. The USMNT's World Cup journey has attracted a diverse range of fans, including those who may not know all the rules or players but simply want to cheer for their country. This is a moment that can turn casual fans into dedicated supporters, as we've seen with the impact of Team USA hockey's Olympic gold medal. Yet, instead of celebrating this growth, some media outlets are trying to police the moment.
The Guardian's piece on Fox's World Cup coverage is a prime example. The article framed the clash between Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas as a battle of personalities, with Henry portrayed as a "French aristocrat" and Lalas as an "all-American idiot." It suggested that Fox's patriotic coverage clashed with the "true" nature of soccer in the United States, implying that soccer is a sport for "migrants, urban liberals," and those "too scrawny" for other sports.
This gatekeeping mentality is not just about controlling the narrative; it's about maintaining a sense of exclusivity. These gatekeepers want soccer to remain their domain, a place where they can feel superior and unchallenged. They don't want to share their sport with the masses, especially not with those who might not align with their political or cultural beliefs.
The Power of Mainstream Appeal
The Caitlin Clark boom and the USMNT's World Cup run should be celebrated as victories. They prove that there is an audience for women's basketball and that American soccer can reach beyond its traditional fan base. These moments demonstrate the power of mainstream popularity: it brings people together, creates a sense of community, and opens up new avenues for discussion and debate.
As the article rightly points out, if the NFL, college football, the NBA, and Major League Baseball don't get to choose their fans, why should American soccer or the WNBA? The left often advocates for inclusivity and diversity in other contexts; why should sports be any different?
In conclusion, the American soccer scene and the WNBA must learn from these experiences. They should embrace the diversity of their fan bases and celebrate the fact that their sports are reaching new audiences. Gatekeeping and exclusivity have no place in a modern, inclusive society. It's time to open the doors wide and welcome everyone to the beautiful game.
