After Scathing Caitlin Clark Take, Mystics Co-owner Gets Embarrassed Through $12.32 Billion Worth Co.’s Feature

Since her debut in the WNBA as the top pick for the Indiana Fever, 22-year-old Caitlin Clark from Iowa has been setting records left and right. Whether it’s scoring, three-pointers, triple-doubles, or increasing viewership, she’s excelling in every aspect of the game. It came as no surprise when TIME named her Athlete of the Year, but not everyone is in agreement.

Despite filling WNBA arenas to 94% capacity by May and contributing to 26% of the league’s economic activity, Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, believes that Clark alone shouldn’t have received the honor. In an interview with CNN Sport, Johnson expressed her view that the media should focus on promoting all players in the league rather than just highlighting Clark’s achievements.

She questioned why TIME didn’t feature the entire WNBA on the cover, stressing the depth of talent in the league. Johnson emphasized that singling out one player can create animosity and highlighted the collective effort that has led to the WNBA’s growth. As the co-owner of multiple Washington sports franchises, she believes it’s unfair to attribute the league’s success solely to Clark.

The controversy spread on social media, with X’s community notes providing additional context on the issue. They pointed out that a significant portion of the Mystics’ attendance in 2024 came from games against Clark and the Fever.

The season finale between the Mystics and the Fever set a new attendance record in WNBA history, drawing 20,711 fans. Throughout the season, the Mystics averaged 6,542 fans per game and sold 130,830 tickets, marking their highest attendance since 2017.

Clark’s Impact Goes Beyond Washington

During her rookie season with the Fever, Clark won Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-WNBA First Team, a feat not achieved by a rookie since 2008. Her presence coincided with a surge in WNBA coverage and viewership.

Known as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” her influence led to a 48% increase in overall league attendance and a significant rise in commercial deals. Despite concerns of potential resentment among other players, Clark’s impact extended to ticket sales and TV viewership, which increased by 300%.