Now, the WNBA faces a similar moment in time with Caitlin Clark, who has quickly become the most dominant force in women’s basketball. Yet, if the league isn’t careful, they may be on the verge of squandering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly elevate the sport.
Caitlin Clark: The WNBA’s Golden Ticket
The WNBA has faced many challenges over the years, from financial struggles to a lack of widespread recognition. Despite their efforts, the league has never quite managed to capture the attention it deserves. Enter Caitlin Clark. Her talent, charisma, and undeniable skill have made her the biggest star the league has ever seen. As an NBA superfan, I’ve witnessed the rise of generational talents, but Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. She has the potential to elevate the league in ways it’s never experienced before.
The WNBA’s Missed Opportunities
The WNBA has made a series of baffling decisions regarding Caitlin Clark, and if they continue on this path, they will regret it deeply. Caitlin Clark doesn’t need the WNBA—the WNBA needs Caitlin Clark. She’s been the reason behind record-breaking viewership, attracting millions of eyes to the league. Her debut playoff series attracted 1.8 million viewers for game one, which surpassed viewership for any WNBA finals game in history. Yet, the league has failed to capitalize on this momentum.
When the 2024 WNBA regular season ended, Caitlin Clark was the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. But instead of announcing her recognition, the league dragged its feet. Asia Wilson was named MVP on September 22, and everyone expected Caitlin to follow shortly after. But then, the league announced Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and even Coach of the Year, all before acknowledging Clark. It wasn’t until October 3—nearly two weeks after MVP was announced—that Caitlin Clark was named Rookie of the Year. But the celebration felt hollow. Why? Because despite her phenomenal season, the league failed to give her a unanimous Rookie of the Year vote. Instead, one vote went to Angel Reese, who had a significantly weaker season by comparison.
When you compare Caitlin Clark to Angel Reese, the difference is staggering. Caitlin dominated every statistical category, including points, assists, steals, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Angel Reese only led in rebounds, and even then, it was due to her tendency to grab her own missed shots. Clark’s impact was felt across the board, both in individual stats and team performance. She led her team to a playoff push, while Reese’s team finished last in the conference.
So, how did the WNBA justify giving Reese a vote? This decision was a slap in the face to Caitlin Clark, whose season should have been recognized for what it was: one of the best rookie seasons of all time.
Fans Speak Out: The Backlash Against the WNBA
Fans were rightfully upset. “Who gave that one vote?” one fan asked. Another pointed out, “Jealousy is a bitter perfume.” The WNBA’s failure to fully embrace Caitlin Clark’s significance shows just how out of touch the league is. If they don’t treat Clark with the respect she deserves, it’s only a matter of time before she decides to leave. And if that happens, the WNBA will be left to regret it for years to come.
A Potential Exile: Caitlin Clark Leaving the WNBA
It’s not just the on-court decisions that are problematic for Caitlin Clark. The constant cheap shots, the verbal assaults from players and fans, and the WNBA’s lack of response to it all are enough to make any player feel unappreciated. If Caitlin Clark decided to leave for another league, whether overseas or even stepping away from the WNBA entirely, it would be a huge blow. And it wouldn’t just be a loss of talent; it would be a massive missed opportunity for the WNBA to build its future around someone who can single-handedly bring attention and financial support to the league.
Players like Gabby Williams and Elizabeth Williams have already left the WNBA to pursue larger paychecks overseas, and if Caitlin Clark leaves because of poor treatment, it will be a warning sign for the league.
The Reality Check: Caitlin Clark Doesn’t Need the WNBA
The reality is simple: Caitlin Clark doesn’t need the WNBA. Her talents and popularity have already made her a star. The league needs to recognize that they’ve never had a player who can do for women’s basketball what Clark has done. She has the potential to be the face of the WNBA for the next decade, and if the league isn’t careful, they might lose her to another opportunity or simply to frustration with the system.
The WNBA’s viewership has been consistently low, and Caitlin Clark’s playoff games are already pulling in more viewers than any WNBA finals game in history. If the league wants to stay relevant and thrive, they need to stop underestimating the power of a generational talent like Caitlin Clark and start treating her like the future of the league.
Conclusion: The WNBA Must Act Now
The WNBA is at a critical crossroads. They have a once-in-a-lifetime talent in Caitlin Clark, and if they don’t act quickly to support her, they will regret it. The league cannot afford to make the same mistakes other sports organizations have made in the past. Caitlin Clark is the WNBA’s golden ticket, and they must do everything they can to protect her, support her, and build the future of the league around her. If not, they will risk losing the one player who could change the course of their history for good.