• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Is the Caitlin Clark Phenomenon Posing Issues for the WNBA?

  • A flagrant hip check on Caitlin Clark sparks a debate on the state of the league.
  • A highly compressed schedule adds to the Fever’s issues.
The Indianapolis Star

Is perhaps the biggest force to hit the WNBA now becoming a problem? Just three weeks into the 2024 season, the Caitlin Clark phenomenon has given way to a rapidly escalating level of infighting within the league, heightened scrutiny over officiating, and public criticism over the rookie star’s skills. 

Rough Play and Tough Talk

The weekend sports conversation was dominated by a flagrant body check that Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter levied upon the Indiana Fever’s Clark in a Saturday game, knocking the rookie to the floor. After the foul was retroactively raised to a flagrant 1 status, the heated debate continued across sports-talk radio and television and, most critically, within the WNBA itself. 

Fever general manager Lin Dunn took to X after the game, posting that “there’s a difference between tough defense and unnecessary-targeting actions! It needs to stop! The league needs to ‘clean up’ the crap! That’s NOT who this league is.” To this end, the Fever have submitted multiple plays from prior games for league review involving hard fouls on Clark. 

Carter, meanwhile, posted on Threads that she’s not all that impressed with Clark’s game, writing “besides three-point shooting what does she bring to the table, man?”

Mounting Questions

Amid the still-growing number of hot takes, the WNBA is now facing many pressing questions. After Clark has fueled a series of meteoric increases in attendance and television viewership—including the Fever already topping their 2023 attendance total—to what degree should the historic economic driver be protected on the court? Will the heightened physicality and trash talking drive away fans, particularly the new ones just drawn in by Clark? And is jealousy and all of the attention Clark has received over her income, including a Nike deal reportedly worth $28 million, contributing to the drama playing out with other WNBA players?

On the latter point, former NBA guard Austin Rivers says envy within the WNBA is definitely a factor—and needs to stop.

“For the longest time, the WNBA was synonymous with losing money, their athletes not being compensated properly, their athletes not being treated properly, and their brand of basketball … not really garnering proper attention,” Rivers said in a four-minute video post on X. “Now, this woman comes along and brings the world in and is now giving you that proper attention and respect. … And instead of being appreciative and acknowledging that, you guys are coming at her with these hate-ass comments.”

Too Much Too Soon?

Part of the intense focus around Clark and the Fever also stems from a simple quirk of the schedule, as Indiana played 11 games in the span of just 20 days, becoming just the second team in WNBA history to do so since 2007. Some of these schedule anomalies stem from a compression created by the upcoming Paris Olympics, when the WNBA will take a monthlong break. But the Fever’s 11 games played leads the league and is nearly twice the six played to date by the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces. 

“These guys are not just physically exhausted, they’re mentally exhausted,” said Fever coach Christie Sides after a Sunday blowout loss to the New York Liberty, a game in which Clark scored just three points. “It’s just been a lot. This is different than anything we’ve ever experienced.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Las Vegas Aces

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
Sep 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the second half at Target Center.
September 12, 2025

As WNBA Grows, Engelbert Says Its Playoff Field Won’t for a While

Eight of thirteen WNBA teams made the playoffs this year.
September 12, 2025

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.