With the drafting of Caitlin Clark by the Indiana Fever, the WNBA found itself on the cusp of unprecedented success. Since its inception in the late 1990s, the league, funded by the NBA, has struggled financially and never come close to turning a profit.
Clark, a rising star with immense potential, represented a beacon of hope for breaking this cycle of failure. However, instead of seizing this golden opportunity, some WNBA players seem intent on sabotaging it, driven by motives that may include spite and possibly even racism.
Entire league out to get Caitlin Clark 😂 pic.twitter.com/aZHN9FUhgN
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) June 1, 2024
A glaring example of this self-destructive behavior unfolded recently when Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky violently took Clark to the ground while shouting obscenities at her. Despite the severity of the incident, the referees only called a common foul.
Adding insult to injury, Angel Reese, a former LSU player with a known grudge against Clark, congratulated Carter for the cheap shot. This kind of behavior not only tarnishes the sport but also alienates new fans drawn to the WNBA by Clark’s promise.
Carter’s defiance continued after the game as she refused to answer questions about the incident. This wasn’t the first time Clark has been targeted.
Over her first ten games, she has been repeatedly subjected to flagrant fouls by players seemingly holding personal vendettas. Alarmingly, the referees have often turned a blind eye to these actions, further exacerbating the issue.
Angel Reese just hugged her teammate for shoving Caitlin Clark to the ground and calling her a “bitch.”
I thought @elleduncanESPN and @chiney said Reese is one of the classiest women around and Clark is not a target?
— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) June 1, 2024
The real question now is how many new fans, who tuned into the WNBA specifically because of Caitlin Clark’s potential to elevate the league, will stick around if this is the standard of play and sportsmanship? The initial boost in ratings due to Clark’s presence is already starting to decline.
The hype and excitement she brought are not enough to counterbalance the poor quality of play and unprofessional behavior exhibited by other players. Whether driven by jealousy, racism, or other motives, many seem content to maintain the status quo of mediocrity rather than striving for collective success.
Angel Reese with the elbow & stare down on Caitlin Clark 👀
This wasn’t called a foul 😳 pic.twitter.com/1MqXpkLRon
— betr (@betr) June 1, 2024
As a result, the WNBA’s potential for growth and profitability is being squandered. Players who prefer making modest earnings and flying coach over helping their league succeed are dragging the entire organization down. The league’s reputation suffers as it becomes associated with petty rivalries and unsportsmanlike conduct rather than the athletic excellence and competitive spirit that could attract and retain fans.
