Michael Porter Jr. Faces Backlash for WNBA Comments, Claims to be a Fan

Brooklyn, NY – Michael Porter Jr., a player for the Brooklyn Nets, has come under fire for his remarks about the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). His comments about pay disparities in women’s basketball gained attention when he attributed them to low viewership.

During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast last year, he said, “I know these females [WNBA players] want to get paid more, and they’re very talented. But so is a famous ping-pong player… That doesn’t mean that they’re going to get paid the same, because it’s what the people wanna watch.” He expressed an understanding of women’s desire for equal pay but emphasized the differences between men’s and women’s basketball.

Additionally, Porter Jr. made controversial statements regarding the skills of WNBA players. In a conversation with streamer plaqueboymax in August, he compared WNBA stars to high school players, saying, “If the WNBA All-Star team, if the Olympic team played the McDonald’s All-American high school players, it’s one of them things, bro. You can’t dance around it.” He qualified his comments with, “no disrespect, bro,” but the implications caused a stir.

Despite the backlash, Porter Jr. recently clarified his stance at the Brooklyn Nets media day, declaring himself a “biggest fan of the WNBA.” He shared his personal connection, stating, “I have two sisters that for most of my childhood beat me every single day at basketball.” He also mentioned his friendship with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, hinting at a deep-rooted respect for the league.

Off the court, Porter Jr. has been involved in several podcasts discussing various topics, including relationships. He expressed the importance of athletes controlling their narratives. “It was honestly just having more attention to detail in my life,” he said about starting his own podcast, ‘Curious Mike.’

Porter Jr. also emphasized that the launch of his podcast was not a response to his recent trade from the Denver Nuggets but rather a personal choice. “I think it was just more intentionality of trying to be consistent with it,” he explained. Despite the controversies, he appears focused on his career and personal interests.