The conversation surrounding Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA and the growth of women’s basketball has been a hotly debated topic since she was drafted with the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. For Haley and Hanna Cavinder, there is no debate – they believe she is a once-in-a-lifetime player who has done incredible things for the game and has brought in more viewership and revenue. They attribute her popularity to her amazing skills and the excitement she brings to the game. Despite these positive views, some have raised questions about Clark’s rise in the WNBA, with Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson suggesting that race played a significant role in Clark’s popularity.
Wilson’s coach, Becky Hammon, tried to clarify these comments, emphasizing that it’s not about hating on Clark because she is white, but rather about how Black and brown greatness is not celebrated as much. Hammon pointed out that Clark has achieved incredible things in college basketball and deserves recognition for that. Clark’s pro debut was the most-watched WNBA game since 2001, following her success in the most-watched women’s NCAA games ever during the most recent March Madness tournament. Despite the attention and controversy, Clark remains focused on her job of competing and playing basketball every day, preferring to ignore social media.
Ahead of a game with the Fever, Clark expressed her belief that increased attention on all teams in the league will only help her improve as a player. The Cavinder twins, who previously played at Fresno State and spent one season at Miami, announced that they would be returning to Miami for their fifth and final year of eligibility. Despite the ongoing debate about Clark’s impact and the attention she has garnered, she remains committed to her job and focused on playing to the best of her abilities. This ongoing conversation highlights the complexities and nuances surrounding race, popularity, and the celebration of greatness in women’s basketball.
