In a shocking twist that’s lighting up social media, Forbes — yes, the global business and finance powerhouse — has published an article that many fans believe is a thinly veiled attack on WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The piece, which heavily praises stars like Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson, downplays Clark’s impact and, according to critics, deliberately excludes her from the conversation around the league’s explosive growth.

So the question everyone’s asking now is: Does Forbes have a problem with Caitlin Clark? Or is this part of a bigger narrative shift in the WNBA media world?

Let’s break it down.

The Article That Sparked a Firestorm

The Forbes piece, titled “Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson Are Fueling the WNBA’s Growth”, was published earlier this week and quickly gained traction online — not for what it said, but for what it didn’t say.

While Reese and Wilson absolutely deserve credit for their roles in growing the league, the article barely mentions Caitlin Clark — the same rookie who:

Set NCAA scoring records

Sparked a historic surge in WNBA jersey sales

Tripled viewership numbers in her debut games

Brought millions of new fans to women’s basketball

Yet somehow, in an article about the league’s growth, Clark was reduced to a footnote — or worse, a purposefully ignored presence.

Fans weren’t having it.

Fans React: “This is Clearly an Agenda”

The response on social media was immediate and intense. WNBA fans, college fans, and sports commentators all took to Twitter (X), TikTok, and Reddit to call out what they saw as a clear attempt to erase Clark’s impact from the narrative.

“How do you talk about the WNBA’s growth in 2024 and NOT center Caitlin Clark?” one user asked.
“This feels intentional. Forbes knows better.”
“You don’t have to tear down Caitlin to build up Reese and Wilson,” another wrote.

Others pointed to how media outlets are starting to divide the WNBA fanbase along uncomfortable lines — race, playing style, and personality — creating friction instead of celebrating a golden era for the sport.

Angel & A’ja Deserve Credit — But So Does Caitlin

Let’s be very clear: Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson have been phenomenal ambassadors for the WNBA.

Reese brings unapologetic swagger, fashion, and social media mastery.

Wilson is a two-time MVP and the heart of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

They’ve earned their flowers — no doubt.

But ignoring Caitlin Clark’s influence? That’s just not reality. The numbers speak for themselves:

Caitlin’s WNBA debut game was the most-watched WNBA game in over two decades.

Indiana Fever games are selling out or being moved to bigger arenas.

She’s created an entirely new generation of fans.

And yet, the Forbes article went out of its way to credit almost everyone else.

Is This Media Bias… or a Deeper Narrative Battle?

Some sports analysts are now asking: Is this personal? Is the media trying to humble Clark? Or is there pressure from within the WNBA to shift the spotlight elsewhere?

After all, Clark is:

A white athlete in a predominantly Black league.

From Iowa, not a major city or powerhouse franchise.

Not interested in drama, just dropping logo threes and leading by example.

She’s polarizing to some. But what can’t be denied is her massive impact.

Even opposing players — some who were initially critical — have admitted in interviews that she’s brought money, fans, and attention they’ve never seen before.

So why is she being left out of articles about growth?

The Bigger Picture: Let’s Uplift Everyone

The WNBA is entering a new era — one filled with talent, drama, and personality. It’s a good problem to have. But fans are calling on the media to stop pitting players against each other, and instead tell the full truth.

The league is growing because of A’ja’s dominance, Angel’s brand, Clark’s spotlight, Boston’s consistency, Stewart’s leadership, and the fans showing up like never before.

When we pretend only one or two names are responsible — especially while erasing the obvious game-changers — we all lose.

Conclusion: You Can’t Rewrite Reality

Forbes may have tried to reshape the narrative, but the fans aren’t buying it. Caitlin Clark isn’t just part of the WNBA’s growth — she’s been the catalyst for the biggest explosion in viewership, attendance, and engagement the league has ever seen.

Praising Reese and Wilson is valid. But ignoring Clark in a story about impact?

That’s not journalism. That’s an agenda — and fans can smell it from half court.