Caitlin Clark has been named the ‘Athlete of the Year’ by Time magazine for her exceptional performance in 2024, although not everyone is pleased with the decision.
Sheila Johnson, a billionaire co-owner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics franchise, has criticized Time for featuring the Indiana Fever star on their cover.
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She suggests that the media should focus on promoting all players in the league rather than just highlighting Clark’s accomplishments.
Speaking to CNN, Johnson pointed out the talent in the WNBA beyond Clark, mentioning her rival Angel Reese.
She expressed, “We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognised, I don’t think we can just pin it on one player.
“Last night Caitlin Clark was named ‘Athlete of the Year’. Why couldn’t (Time magazine) put the whole WNBA on that cover and say the WNBA is the league of the year?”
Johnson also warned about the negative effects of singling out one player in a league, emphasizing the importance of highlighting other talented individuals.
Her remarks, shared by CNN Sports on the social media platform X, quickly gained traction and went viral.
Within 24 hours, the post received over 3.4 million views and was acknowledged by the platform as ‘community noted’.
The note, referencing the Washington Post, was attached to a clip of Johnson’s comments and stated: “31% of the Mystics’ total home attendance for the entire 2024 season came from just two games against Caitlin Clark and the Fever.”
In her first season with Indiana, Clark set multiple records and earned the Rookie of the Year accolade.
She was also selected for the All-WNBA first team, making her the first rookie to achieve this since 2008, while helping the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
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Clark’s first season also coincided with a significant increase in league coverage, leading to record-breaking viewership numbers.
The WNBA’s total attendance saw a 48% year-on-year rise to its highest level in over two decades, referred to as ‘The Caitlin Clark effect’.
For instance, the Mystics vs. Fever game in September drew a crowd of 20,711 at Capital One Arena, marking the largest attendance in WNBA history.
Johnson, who may feel embarrassed by the Community Note from X following her criticism, faced backlash from basketball enthusiasts.
One fan wrote, “For the first time, a female basketball player has been named Athlete of the Year – and rightfully so – bringing well-deserved attention to your league. And yet, you’re still unsatisfied? Unbelievable.”
Another stated, “The whole WNBA should be the ones presenting this award to Caitlin Clark.”
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“Just say congrats and go on with your day,” another commenter suggested.
Although many fans do not agree with Johnson’s perspective, her comments will likely ignite conversations about how individual awards can impact team dynamics in any sport.
