WNBA in Deep Waters of Criticism Once Again as Caitlin Clark’s Latest Feat Barely Gets Any Recognition

The WNBA versus Caitlin Clark rivalry has been ongoing since the 23-year-old dynamo entered the professional scene. Her loyal fans believe that the league is not providing her with the loyalty and recognition she rightfully deserves. This sentiment was reinforced recently when Caitlin Clark was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, a prestigious accolade in sports, but the response from the WNBA fell short of fan expectations.

Caitlin Clark is considered the ‘golden goose’ of women’s basketball, propelling the sport into the spotlight like never before. With her exceptional performance leading Iowa to the national championship game and becoming the top pick in the WNBA Draft, she attracted large crowds to sold-out arenas and garnered millions of viewers. Even other women’s sports leagues benefited from her association.

Being only the fifth female basketball player to receive the AP Female Athlete of the Year award since 1931 is a significant achievement. Clark now joins the ranks of legendary players like Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Candace Parker, receiving 35 out of 74 votes from sports journalists. Gymnast Simone Biles came in second with 25 votes, followed by boxer Imane Khelif in third place.

In a display of humility, Caitlin Clark expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, “I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and those who came before me. To be recognized in this manner is truly special, and I am thankful.” She also acknowledged 2023 as a significant year for women’s basketball and women’s sports.

However, fans have been critical of the WNBA’s treatment of Clark for some time. From her exclusion from the Olympic roster to the recent playoff promo mishap in 2024, fans perceived a lack of support from the league. The response to Clark winning the Female Athlete of the Year award further fueled dissatisfaction among fans.

WNBA fans express frustration over Caitlin Clark’s AP win snub

Instead of celebrating one of its brightest stars with a grand gesture, the WNBA simply retweeted the Associated Press announcement, disappointing many fans. Clark’s impact on the league has been substantial, breaking multiple records and boosting TV viewership by 300%. Networks like ABC, CBS, ION, ESPN, and ESPN2 experienced record viewership during Indiana Fever games, largely attributed to her presence.

The WNBA’s decision to retweet the AP post and subsequently release a video on social media instead of acknowledging Clark’s achievement with a dedicated post left fans frustrated. Some fans criticized the league’s social media strategy for failing to generate positive engagement during significant moments like this.

Some fans speculated that the WNBA’s behavior towards Clark could be influenced by notions of ‘white privilege,’ referencing the controversy surrounding her acknowledgment of the issue after being named Time’s Athlete of the Year in 2024.

Questions linger about whether the WNBA will rectify the situation and give Caitlin Clark the recognition she has earned or face further criticism from fans.