Caitlin Clark has been a godsend to the WNBA , with her on-court brilliance, competitive fervor, and charisma helping raise the women's league's profile to new heights. Whereas before some teams played in small arenas with lots of empty seats, games today, especially those featuring Clark and her Indiana Fever , are packed to the rafters.
However significant a role the former Iowa superstar has played in advancing the women's game, many have felt she hasn't been exactly welcomed to the WNBA. Not to say that opposing teams should roll out the red carpet for her, but more so that some players have gone as far as to rough her up.
This was crystal clear in the Fever's recent match against the Phoenix Mercury when veteran forward Alyssa Thomas put a fist to Clark's throat while she was down on the floor.
What made that sequence more egregious was that no foul was called on Thomas, nor was it even reviewed — a development that ESPN ace Stephen A. Smith criticized as reflecting poorly on the league.
The WNBA has a number of superstars who have contributed greatly to its success today. From multiple-time MVP and champion A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier , Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart , these women have helped put fans in arena seats and in front of screens.
However, no player has had as much impact on the women's game as Clark. So, it's puzzling to everyone why some of her peers hate her.
"There is a flagrant level of resentment that exists when it comes to Caitlin Clark , and it has existed since she arrived in the league. She is the cash cow," Smith declared .
"There is a palpable resentment toward this girl. You have people who resent her star power and her cachet, and as a result, if they have an opportunity to go at her, they're going to take it," he continued.
This certainly isn't the first instance in which Clark has been targeted by opponents. In fact, this has been going on since her rookie season.
The WNBA has grown by leaps and bounds since Caitlin's arrival. The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association recently agreed on a new CBA that benefits every player in the league. From financial considerations to improved travel accommodations to retirement benefits, all these exemplify growth for the league.
Despite all these, it seems like some players still don't appreciate what Clark has meant to the WNBA.
"I believe some people have failed to appreciate the mantra that a rising tide lifts all boats. Ride this cash cow till the wheels come off," Smith stated. "They did it in the NBA with Magic Johnson. They did it with Michael Jordan. That's how you do this."
"You find somebody who galvanizes people and ingratiates themselves with the public at large in such a way that everywhere they go and whatever they do, everybody wants to watch. You don't resent that. You feed off it to build your own," he added.
In the end, Smith reminded the league that it is far from a finished product and certainly a long way from reaching NBA-level.
"You're not the NBA. You don't have an 11-year, $77 billion contract. You're still building the league. You just reached an incredible collective bargaining agreement. They did a great job with that. The league is growing," he explained. "But there's still a lot more work to be done.Don't get in the way of the cash cow."
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
