For decades, women’s basketball has struggled to earn mainstream recognition. Outside of ESPN’s contractual coverage of the WNBA, the sport has largely been absent from major media spotlights. That changed dramatically during last season’s NCAA Women’s March Madness, when LSU ended Caitlin Clark’s electrifying run with Iowa in the national championship game.
That single event ignited a wave of attention for women’s basketball. The matchup had everything — elite-level play, compelling storylines, and high-drama moments. Angel Reese emerged as another star, but Caitlin Clark was the undeniable centerpiece. With her deep shooting range reminiscent of Stephen Curry, Clark captivated sports fans nationwide, becoming the face of women’s basketball in a way the sport had never seen.
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A League Hungry for Attention
By comparison, the WNBA has never come close to such viewership. Its most-watched game to date — Game 4 of the 2023 Finals — averaged only 890,000 viewers, which was still a 124% increase from the previous year’s Finals.
For years, WNBA players have voiced frustration over low pay, limited exposure, and the league’s inability to break into mainstream sports culture. While the league has always had exceptional talent — legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings — no single player has shifted public perception on a scale similar to Clark.
That moment has arrived. Caitlin Clark is that once-in-a-generation athlete who can draw new fans, boost media coverage, and potentially increase league revenue. Yet, surprisingly, not all current WNBA stars have embraced her rise.
Respect — or Resistance?
One might assume that the WNBA community would rally behind a player with the power to grow the sport and create better financial opportunities for everyone. But the reality has been different.
Breanna Stewart, one of the league’s top players, dismissed the idea that Clark belongs in the “GOAT” conversation simply because she didn’t win a national championship in college.
“Your goal when you play college basketball is to win the national championship,” Stewart said, downplaying Clark’s record-breaking stats.
Diana Taurasi — widely regarded as the greatest player in WNBA history — also took pointed shots at Clark. She suggested that UConn star Paige Bueckers would be her top pick in this year’s draft over Clark, and issued a warning about the challenges of transitioning to the professional level:
“Reality is coming… you look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come play with grown women who have been playing professional basketball for a long time.”
While competitive banter is part of sports, the tone of these comments raises questions. Rather than celebrating Clark’s impact, some veterans appear intent on minimizing her accomplishments.
A Missed Opportunity?
The pushback is puzzling. The WNBA has long sought the kind of attention Clark is bringing — the kind that could lift viewership, increase sponsorship deals, and put more money in players’ pockets. The NBA welcomed a similar moment when LeBron James entered the league, recognizing his potential to become an all-time great and boost the sport’s popularity.
Clark’s arrival should be met with similar enthusiasm. Instead, the skepticism risks alienating new fans at the very moment the league has a chance to capture them.
The Jealousy Factor
It’s hard to ignore the possibility of jealousy. Clark’s career has been showered with praise from legends across multiple sports, alongside lucrative NIL deals during college — opportunities many past WNBA players never had. Some may wonder why the spotlight shines so brightly on her when they too worked tirelessly with far less recognition.
But the truth is simple: Clark is arriving at the right time, with the right game, in the right media era to change everything. The attention she draws benefits the entire league, whether or not every player sees it that way.
The Golden Age Ahead
This year’s rookie class is one of the most promising in WNBA history. Alongside Clark, stars like Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers (expected in the near future), and Juju Watkins have the potential to create must-watch rivalries and storylines for years to come.
For fans, this could be the beginning of a golden era. But for that to happen, the league needs unity, not division. Current players must recognize that this surge in attention — largely sparked by Clark — is a rare opportunity to elevate the entire sport.
If embraced, it could mean higher salaries, more televised games, and a bigger global platform for women’s basketball. If resisted, it could squander a moment that might not come again for decades.
The Hard Truth
Without Clark and the incoming wave of young talent, the WNBA’s struggle for mainstream relevance could continue indefinitely. In a worst-case scenario, the league might have faced serious decline within the next decade.
But with her? The future suddenly looks brighter than ever. Caitlin Clark isn’t just another rookie — she’s a cultural phenomenon. The WNBA’s challenge is not just to welcome her, but to harness the momentum she brings before it fades.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is Caitlin Clark considered so important to the WNBA?
Caitlin Clark’s scoring ability, deep shooting range, and star power have drawn record-breaking audiences to women’s basketball. She has the potential to attract new fans, boost league visibility, and generate higher revenue for the WNBA.
How did Caitlin Clark gain national attention?
Clark became a household name during the NCAA Women’s March Madness tournaments, especially in back-to-back championship runs with Iowa, where her performances drew millions of viewers — surpassing the men’s title game in ratings.
Has any other WNBA player had this kind of impact before?
While legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Lisa Leslie have been iconic, no player has shifted mainstream interest and media coverage as rapidly as Clark.
Why are some WNBA players critical of Caitlin Clark?
Some veterans have downplayed her achievements, citing her lack of an NCAA championship and questioning how her game will translate to the professional level. Others believe there may be elements of competitiveness or jealousy involved.
How can Caitlin Clark help the WNBA grow?
Her popularity can lead to increased TV ratings, bigger sponsorship deals, and more public interest, which could translate into better pay, facilities, and global recognition for the league.
Who are other young stars that could shape the WNBA’s future?
Alongside Clark, players like Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, and Juju Watkins are poised to form exciting rivalries and raise the competitive level of the league.
What challenges might Caitlin Clark face in the WNBA?
The transition from college to the pros involves adjusting to faster, stronger, and more experienced opponents. She will also face heightened expectations and scrutiny from both fans and players.
Conclusion
Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA is more than just the debut of a talented rookie — it’s a pivotal moment for the league’s future. Her ability to draw massive audiences, inspire new fans, and elevate the conversation around women’s basketball is exactly what the sport has needed for years. While some resistance from veteran players is understandable in a competitive environment, embracing Clark’s presence could unlock unprecedented growth for the WNBA.
