Chance The Rapper Shares ‘Revolutionary’ Insight on WNBA’s Growth

Famed musical artist Chance the Rapper, whose real name is Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, recently appeared on the show “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. During the show, they discussed various topics, including one close to Chance’s heart: the WNBA. Being a Chicago native, Bennett is a passionate supporter of local sports teams, including the Chicago Sky. He spoke about his enthusiasm for the team and the remarkable growth the WNBA has experienced over the past few years.

Before the WNBA saw a surge in popularity this season, partly due to a talented class of rookies such as the Sky’s Angel Reese and No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, Chance the Rapper was already a dedicated fan. He has attended numerous games to cheer for his team. When Qerim asked about his experience witnessing the league’s rise in popularity, Bennett described it as “revolutionary.”

“It’s amazing, it’s crazy because I was new to the women’s league when I first started, you know, going to games in 2020 and 2021,” Bennett said. “And watching that team win their championship was such an energizing thing for the whole city. The parade, the way that people just had pride in a sports team was reminiscent of when I was growing up. To see it become this huge thing on a national stage has just been beautiful and revolutionary.”

As he mentioned on “First Take,” Bennett was in the crowd and even celebrated with the team when the Sky won the WNBA championship in 2021, defeating the Phoenix Mercury in four games. He highlighted how the surge in women’s basketball popularity could extend to other women’s sports, describing the league’s rise as a “beautiful thing to watch.”

Bennett was in the crowd and even celebrated with the team when the Sky clinched the WNBA championship in 2021, conquering the Phoenix Mercury in a nail-biting series. Speaking about the league’s escalating hype, he emphasized its positive influence on other women’s sports, calling it a “beautiful thing to watch.”

“I think that it also is kind of permeable to other women’s sports, into just access overall as in sports, but yeah, specifically the Sky, they’re going crazy and it’s just been a beautiful thing to watch the whole world come around and support,” Bennett added.

For Bennett, a die-hard Chicago Sky fan, it has been thrilling to observe the team’s progress, especially considering they are spearheading the league with rookies like Angel Reese. Reese, who averages 13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, is known for her rivalry with Caitlin Clark even before their professional careers, dating back to their college basketball days with LSU and Iowa respectively.

The anticipation is palpable when the Sky face off against Clark and the Indiana Fever, making their encounters must-watch events. Chicago currently holds a 10-14 record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is slated for August 15 in a WNBA Finals rematch against the Mercury.

Chance the Rapper’s enthusiasm for the WNBA and its growth is evident. His commitment to the Chicago Sky and the women’s league showcases how mainstream popularity is bringing much-deserved attention to women’s sports, fostering a new era of appreciation and support.

Source: ClutchPoints