This week, Caitlin Clark was honored as Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year,” following her remarkable achievements in the WNBA. Clark had an exceptional rookie season, where she not only earned the Rookie of the Year title but also secured a spot on the All-WNBA first team, a distinction that had not been achieved since 2008. Earlier this year, she set a new NCAA all-time scoring record during her time at Iowa and led the Hawkeyes to two consecutive national title games. Furthermore, her debut WNBA season saw a significant surge in viewership, with numbers climbing 48% year-over-year, according to CNN. Despite all these impressive accomplishments, her selection as “Athlete of the Year” has sparked controversy within the WNBA.
Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson expressed her disapproval of Time’s decision to honor Clark, suggesting that the focus on Clark overlooked other talented players, such as Angel Reese. Johnson remarked that this year’s success in the WNBA was due to a new generation of athletes, not just one player. She further implied that Clark’s race might have played a role in the attention she received, pointing out that the league has long been home to talented players who hadn’t received the same recognition. These comments have stirred a backlash from fans, many of whom feel that Johnson’s words were unfair and disrespectful to Clark and the league as a whole.
Fans of the WNBA and basketball in general quickly voiced their disagreement with Johnson’s remarks. One fan called the interview “incredibly disrespectful” to both Clark and the other players in the league. Another pointed out that Clark’s selection as Athlete of the Year was a historic moment, as it marked the first time a female basketball player had received the honor. They highlighted how this recognition brought much-needed attention to the WNBA. Some even suggested that Johnson had witnessed firsthand the immense support Clark garnered, particularly during a record-breaking game between the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics, where a significant portion of the crowd was decked out in Clark’s merchandise.
While the WNBA does have several other talented players, Clark’s impact on the league’s visibility has been unparalleled. Her remarkable performance, both on and off the court, has been a driving force behind the surge in interest surrounding the sport. This includes a notable increase in television viewership and fan engagement, a trend that many attribute to Clark’s presence in the league. As her recognition continues to grow, it’s clear that she is not only a standout athlete but also a key figure in the evolution of women’s basketball.
Despite the controversies surrounding her rise, Clark’s achievements are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the broader growth of women’s sports. The WNBA has long been home to incredible talent, but Clark’s arrival has undoubtedly amplified the league’s visibility. The criticism from Sheila Johnson, while disappointing to many, does little to overshadow the significant strides the WNBA has made thanks to Clark’s contributions.
