Shaquille O’Neal has reignited a longstanding debate by suggesting the WNBA should lower its rims to increase viewership and revenue.
Unusual autograph request leaves Caitlin Clark uncomfortable on the golf course
A’ja Wilson blocks Shaq’s WNBA rim proposal
The NBA Hall of Famer recently took to Instagram to reiterate his belief that adjusting the rim height could make the league more exciting by encouraging more dunks.
“60% of the fans said dunking is their favorite thing,”O’Neal wrote.
“The WNBA has none of that. So they make much less money. Just trying to get you that $300 million you deserve, @aja22wilson.”
He also proposed testing the idea during the WNBA All-Star Game, claiming it would “send ratings through the roof.”
This is not the first time O’Neal has voiced such opinions.
In 2021, he made a similar argument on Inside the NBA, suggesting that lowering the rims-akin to adjustments seen in other sports like volleyball and track and field-would level the playing field and attract casual fans.
However, 2024 WNBA MVP and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is not convinced.
During a recent appearance on The Roommates Show, Wilson dismissed the idea, emphasizing the disruptive impact it could have on players’ training and shooting mechanics.
“What is it gonna do?”Wilson asked.
“I would much rather just gear my offseason to, ‘Okay, vertical, maxing it out, let’s focus on this jumping,’ versus lowering it an inch. That could change all of our shots. Do y’all not understand that?”
Wilson’s concerns are rooted in the precision required for basketball at the professional level.
Changing the rim height, she argues, could undermine years of muscle memory and practice.
Critics of O’Neal’s idea also point out that the WNBA’s growing popularity is being driven by players like Caitlin Clark, whose skillful play has captivated fans without relying on dunks.
As the league continues to evolve, Wilson’s perspective highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game while pursuing new ways to grow its fan base.
