Dave Portnoy has never been one to hold back, and once again he’s at the center of a firestorm — this time taking direct aim at WNBA leadership, the ongoing Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry, and even hinting that he’s interested in buying a team himself.

The Barstool Sports founder has built his brand on controversial takes, but his latest comments hit right at the heart of the league’s biggest storylines and future direction.

Portnoy first went off on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, blasting her for what he described as “incompetent leadership” and “tone-deaf decision-making.” He argued that the WNBA has completely fumbled the unprecedented wave of attention Caitlin Clark brought to the league.

According to him, “The WNBA should be exploding right now, but instead they’ve got leadership that doesn’t know how to handle the moment.” He cited low attendance in certain markets, uneven promotion of stars, and officiating controversies as proof the league is wasting its biggest opportunity in decades.

Naturally, Portnoy also dove headfirst into the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry, which has divided fans and lit up social media all season long. He didn’t mince words, calling it “the most entertaining thing the WNBA has going for it.”

But he also slammed the league for trying to downplay the rivalry rather than fully embracing it. “You’ve got Clark and Reese generating ratings, headlines, and debates every single game, and the league wants to pretend it’s not happening.

That’s insane,” Portnoy said. He believes the WNBA should be leaning into the tension, marketing it the same way the NBA used Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson to elevate its popularity in the 1980s.

Portnoy even accused league officials of showing favoritism when it comes to officiating, suggesting that some players — including Angel Reese — get protection while Clark is often targeted or left vulnerable. “It’s almost like the refs are part of the storyline,” he said. “And that’s not a good thing for a professional sports league.” His remarks echo frustrations that many Fever fans and Clark supporters have voiced throughout the season, especially after controversial calls in big games.

But perhaps the most surprising twist in Portnoy’s rant was his admission that he’s seriously considering buying a WNBA team. While he didn’t name a specific franchise, he claimed the league needs “owners who actually understand how to build hype, create storylines, and make fans care.”

He suggested that under his ownership, a WNBA team would become the most talked-about franchise in the league. “If I ran a team, you’d have sellouts every night. We’d have rivalries, drama, and excitement. That’s how you grow the sport,” he said confidently.

The idea of Portnoy buying into the WNBA is both intriguing and polarizing. On one hand, his track record with Barstool shows he knows how to generate buzz and tap into younger audiences. On the other hand, his brash style and history of controversies could clash with the WNBA’s image and values. Still, the fact that someone like him is even talking about investing in the league speaks to the momentum Clark, Reese, and others have generated this season.

Portnoy’s comments instantly went viral, sparking heated debates across sports media. Some fans agreed with him, saying the WNBA needs bold leadership and someone willing to shake things up. Others blasted him for being opportunistic and accused him of exploiting the league’s players for content.

But love him or hate him, Portnoy once again managed to insert himself into one of the hottest conversations in sports.

At the end of the day, his rant raises questions the WNBA can’t ignore. How should the league handle its explosive rivalries? Is Cathy Engelbert the right person to lead during this critical growth period? And would bringing in unconventional owners like Portnoy actually help or hurt the league?

These are issues that will define the WNBA’s next chapter — and Portnoy, as always, is forcing people to have the conversation whether they like it or not.