Earlier this week, Caitlin Clark was honored as Time magazine’s “Athlete of the Year,” a recognition that follows her groundbreaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever. Clark, who claimed Rookie of the Year honors and earned a spot on the All-WNBA first team, achieved a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 2008. Just months earlier, she shattered the NCAA all-time scoring record during an extraordinary tenure at Iowa, where she led the Hawkeyes to consecutive national title games. Her debut in the WNBA has seen an exceptional surge in viewership, with ratings up by 48% year-over-year, as reported by CNN.
Despite these accomplishments, Time‘s selection of Clark as “Athlete of the Year” has not been universally well-received. Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics, expressed dissatisfaction with the recognition, suggesting that the WNBA’s growth this year was not solely due to Clark’s influence. “It’s not just Caitlin Clark; it’s also Angel Reese,” Johnson commented, emphasizing the wealth of untapped talent across the league. She argued that it was unfair to attribute the increased popularity of the WNBA to a single player, given the broader pool of unrecognized athletes.
Johnson’s remarks extended beyond Clark’s performance to a more controversial territory, where she insinuated that Clark’s race may have played a significant role in her ability to attract a wider audience to the sport. “We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized, and I don’t think we can pin it on just one player,” Johnson stated, hinting that Clark’s visibility might be linked to factors beyond her on-court prowess. Her comments have sparked considerable backlash, with many questioning the validity of her claims in light of Clark’s unprecedented impact on the league.
The reaction from fans has been swift and vocal, with many expressing dismay at Johnson’s dismissive tone. “This interview is incredibly disrespectful to Caitlin, all of the players in the WNBA, and the fans,” one fan remarked. Others voiced their support for Clark’s well-deserved recognition, noting that it was the first time a female basketball player had been named Athlete of the Year. “For the first time, a female basketball player has been named Athlete of the Year—and rightfully so—bringing well-deserved attention to your league. And yet, you’re still unsatisfied?” another fan pointed out.
While the WNBA undeniably boasts other star players, none have had the transformative effect on viewership and fan engagement that Caitlin Clark has. Her record-breaking performances and the palpable shift in fan enthusiasm are undeniable, making her the standout figure in a league full of talent. As the controversy surrounding Johnson’s comments lingers, it seems clear that Clark’s influence on the sport continues to leave an indelible mark.
