Just weeks into her WNBA career, Caitlin Clark has already taken the league by storm — from record-breaking viewership to highlight-reel threes and jaw-dropping assists. But despite her undeniable impact, a newly released WNBA GM survey has fans up in arms, claiming Clark was blatantly disrespected by the very people running the league’s franchises.

ESPN CLOWN Elle Duncan OWNED by Caitlin Clark Fans for HATE-SPLAINING 2025 WNBA Ratings! - YouTube

 The Survey That Sparked Outrage

The WNBA’s annual general manager survey, intended to offer insider predictions and insights, completely snubbed Caitlin Clark in several key categories:

Not voted as top rookie to have the biggest impact this season

Barely mentioned in “future face of the league” votes

Ignored in categories like “best passer” and “most exciting player”

 

Today's USA Today article. What are your honest (and civil) thoughts on this? : r/wnba

 

 

Instead, votes leaned heavily toward more experienced players or other rookies with far less media attention or statistical output — sparking backlash from fans, media analysts, and even former players.

WNBA GM Reveals Wild Take On Likely No. 1 Pick Caitlin Clark

 Fans Are FURIOUS

Social media exploded the moment the results dropped.

“She’s literally carrying the league’s media attention right now. This is a straight-up clown show,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“These GMs must be watching a different sport. Caitlin Clark is the only reason some people even tuned in to the WNBA this year,” another added.

Hashtags like #PutSomeRespectOnHerName, #ClarkHaters, and #WNBAClownShow quickly began trending.

Caitlin Clark Has Classy Response to WNBA Greats Who Have Questioned Her Skills

 Disrespect or Jealousy?

Many observers believe the snub has less to do with Clark’s talent and more to do with league politics and resentment. Some executives may feel that the attention Clark receives overshadows veteran players — even if she’s already putting up impressive numbers and playing with unmatched confidence.

ESPN analyst Monica McNutt said it best:

Caitlin Clark is headed to the WNBA. Is she also destined for a pay cut?

“It’s hard not to see this as petty. She’s lifting the league right now — in viewership, relevance, and engagement — and somehow she’s not one of the top rookies? Make it make sense.”

Caitlin Clark Reveals Just How Difficult WNBA Decision Was During 'GMA' Appearance - Sports Illustrated

 Clark by the Numbers

While the GMs seem unconvinced, the stats tell a different story:

Averaging 16–18 PPG, 5+ assists, and multiple deep-range threes per game

Leading all rookies in minutes, media impact, and fan engagement

Breaking attendance records at nearly every arena she visits

 

WNBA gets a gift in Caitlin Clark. So why are some players so frosty?

 

 

Even WNBA veterans like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi — who initially warned about her “reality check” — have recently praised Clark’s poise and basketball IQ.

Social Media Is Drooling Over Photo Of Caitlin Clark Rocking Incredibly Short Skirt, Showing More Leg Than She's Ever Shown Before

 The Bigger Issue?

This controversy has opened a deeper conversation about how the WNBA treats its rising stars — especially those who bring a new wave of attention to the league.

Caitlin Clark is headed to the WNBA. Is she also destined for a pay cut?

Some fans believe there’s a reluctance from GMs and league insiders to embrace change, especially when it comes packaged in the form of a flashy, confident, and hugely marketable rookie like Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark Reflects on 1 Vital Virtue for Indiana Fever Before Her WNBA Debut - EssentiallySports

 Final Word

Caitlin Clark isn’t just a rookie. She’s a phenomenon, a ratings magnet, and possibly the most impactful player the WNBA has seen in years — and that’s before her first season is even halfway done.

The league’s general managers might not want to admit it yet…

 


But fans know it.
The media knows it.
And Caitlin Clark?
She’s letting her game do all the talking.