It’s the new buzzword of the 2024 WNBA season:
Push-off.

And no player’s name is more connected to it right now than Caitlin Clark.

Every time she drives. Every time she creates space with that off-arm. Every time a defender falls back even slightly — Twitter explodes with one of two reactions:

“That’s a CLEAR offensive foul!”

Or…

“She’s just creating space — let her hoop!”

But here’s the real question: Why don’t refs ever call it? Why is Caitlin Clark seemingly immune to the whistle?

Let’s break down the reasons — both on the court and behind the scenes — why refs simply CAN’T call Caitlin for push-offs right now.

Basketball-Wise, It’s Not Always a Foul

Let’s start with the basics.

Yes, Caitlin uses her off-hand. But guess what? So do almost all elite guards.
Creating space with subtle contact — a bump, a stiff arm, a shoulder jab — is part of modern guard play.

Referees know this. And unless the move is blatantly extended or creates a clear advantage, most of it is let go.

Watch a Caitlin drive in slow-mo:

Her arm goes out

Defender anticipates contact

But the actual impact? Minimal.

And more often than not, the defender is already off-balance — not because of a foul, but because Caitlin just beat them to the spot.

The League Needs Her on the Floor

Let’s be real: The WNBA is undergoing a media explosion, and Caitlin Clark is the engine.

Record-breaking ticket sales

Sellout road games

ESPN primetime features

Jersey sales through the roof

A controversial offensive foul call — especially one that benches Clark with early foul trouble — is a business risk for the league.

This doesn’t mean the refs are biased — it means they’re aware.
Aware of what she means to the game. Aware of the moment. Aware that taking Caitlin off the court = disappointed fans, angry sponsors, and dead momentum.

And right now? That’s not a price the league wants to pay.

It’s Already a Conversation Among Officials

Multiple insiders have confirmed: Caitlin Clark is on scouting reports — for players AND refs.

Officials are discussing her tendencies, trying to find the line between legal craft and illegal contact. But they’re also aware of how much scrutiny they’re under.

The truth is, if refs do call her for a push-off:

It’ll trend instantly

It’ll be debated to death

It could spark another “anti-Clark” media frenzy

So unless it’s blatant and undeniable, they’re going to swallow the whistle — because the backlash isn’t worth the borderline call.

Push-Offs Are the New Flopping

Here’s the twist: defenders know they won’t get that call, so now they’re starting to sell it more aggressively.

Watch some recent Caitlin possessions — you’ll see defenders flailing, stumbling, even falling after the slightest contact. Why?

Because they want the highlight. The clip. The foul. The conversation.

Push-offs have become the new flop bait — and Caitlin is the primary target.

Refs? They’re wise to the game. And again, unless it’s a clear shove, they’re not rewarding the drama.

 Final Thoughts: If You Want the Call, Beat Her to the Spot

At the end of the day, Caitlin Clark is doing what great players do:
Using every legal (and borderline) tool in her bag to win.

If defenders want the whistle, here’s what they have to do:

Stay in front

Move your feet

Don’t exaggerate contact

Because until someone makes a truly compelling case that her push-offs are affecting the integrity of the game, the refs aren’t blowing the whistle.

And maybe… they shouldn’t.