This is what happens when two sporting worlds collide in battle – lots of drama, statistics and opinions are brought into play. Former NFL superstar Cam Newton was pretty blunt about baseball, calling it a “dying sport” and stating that the WNBA will grow in popularity over the next 20 years. Understandably, Ben Verlander, brother of MLB pitcher Justin Verlander and an analyst for Fox Sports, couldn’t just give up on this pitch. Here is the rest of the exchange:.

Cam Newton’s bold approach

During the Dec. 19 broadcast of his podcast “4th & 1,” Newton didn’t mince his words. He said baseball had become less relevant and boldly argued that “Baseball isn’t even played by Americans anymore…For those who take offense, it’s simply the truth,” he said with certainty that the WNBA – with proper promotion and a little more superstar talent like what he described as what Angel Reese brought them – could potentially soon eclipse baseball.
Newton also emphasized that the WNBA is not about talent, but about visibility. “The problem with the WNBA is not the exposure, but it is the main problem… They also play basketball all over the world. If they were to attract as much attention…they desperately need superstars. That’s what makes her special.” “Angel Reese is so important,” he added.

Ben Verlander’s strong comeback

Verlander didn’t let baseball’s reputation take a hit and returned to social media. “Respectful. You have no idea what you’re talking about in this sport you never see. Baseball is booming. Stay in your lane,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

And Verlander is absolutely right. The MLB enjoyed a blockbuster 2024 season, drawing an impressive 71.3 million fans, an average of 29,300 per game. For those who like numbers, the World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers had a record attendance and highest viewership for the first time in seven years.

Numbers game

While Newton is optimistic about the WNBA’s growth, the stats show it still has a long way to go. In 2024, the league’s total attendance reached 2.3 million, an average of 9,800 fans per game in a 40-game season. If you compare that to the gigantic MLB numbers, the gap looks like a Grand Canyon that needs to be bridged.

The cultural factor

Baseball’s deep-rooted cultural connection to America is also overlooked in Newton’s argument. It’s not just the games, but the hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and the seventh inning stretch. Baseball doesn’t fade; It continues to evolve – attracting talent from around the world and remaining relevant in the ever-changing sporting landscape.
Cam Newton’s hot attitude caused excitement, but the stats tell a different story. While the WNBA is making progress and earning its applause, baseball remains firmly entrenched as a fan favorite. With its booming viewership and cultural heritage, the MLB isn’t going away from the spotlight anytime soon. Sorry, Cam, but it looks like baseball still has a thousand hits.
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