As Caitlin Clark begins her rookie WNBA season, excitement should be sky-high. She’s brought record-breaking ratings, sold-out arenas, and an entire new generation of fans to the league. Yet somehow — somehow — certain WNBA “insiders,” media voices, and even general managers continue to downplay, dismiss, and distort what she brings to the game.

Caitlin Clark: Kansas City would be great city for WNBA team | Kansas City  Star

And frankly?

It’s getting embarrassing.

A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark lead WNBA All-Star fan vote – KGET 17 News

 The GM Survey That Exposed the Agenda

In a recent anonymous survey conducted by the WNBA, several GMs answered questions about rookie talent, breakout stars, and the future of the league. Shockingly, Caitlin Clark didn’t top most categories — and in some cases, she wasn’t even mentioned.

Caitlin Clark and the WNBA are getting a lot of attention. It's about far  more than basketball

Instead, we saw vague, unconvincing praise for other rookies (some of whom haven’t played a nationally televised game) and dismissive undertones about Clark’s style being “not WNBA-ready.”

Our arena was sold out long before Caitlin Clark came": Becky Hammon  stresses WNBA's rising popularity isn't just about Fever rookie

Seriously?

This is the same Caitlin Clark who just became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, carried women’s college basketball to mainstream relevance, and is now filling arenas coast to coast.
But somehow, anonymous GMs are “unsure” about her impact?

It’s either bias, jealousy, or an extreme disconnect from reality — and none of those are a good look for a league trying to grow.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: WNBA Rookie's Astonishing Impact on Fever's  Jersey Sales, Viewership Numbers, and More

 Media Narratives: The Same Tired Script

The media coverage hasn’t been much better. Rather than celebrating the arrival of the most marketable player in WNBA history, some reporters have made Clark a target:

Caitlin Clark says she's focused on basketball amid narratives about credit  she receives for WNBA's growth - CBSSports.com

Calling her “overhyped” before she’s played a full quarter.

Questioning her defense, while ignoring the fact that most rookies — even legends — struggle early.

Spinning narratives that pit her against teammates, instead of highlighting her passing, leadership, and selflessness.

Let’s be clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t perfect. She’s a rookie adjusting to a faster, stronger game. But the criticism she’s facing isn’t just analysis — it’s an agenda.

Caitlin Clark Reveals Big Plans After WNBA Retirement - Athlon Sports

 Year 2 of the Nonsense?

This isn’t new. During her final college season, Clark faced the same dismissiveness — especially after her explosive performances began pulling more attention than some WNBA veterans were used to.

What we’re seeing now is Year 2 of the same nonsense, now on the professional level:

Caitlin Clark Reveals Big Plans After WNBA Retirement - Athlon Sports

Downplay her success.

Ignore the numbers.

Try to “humble” her with thinly veiled criticism.

Then act surprised when she silences everyone… again.

 

Unrivaled rosters announced as decision made on Caitlin Clark after $1m  offer - The Mirror US

 

 The Real Ones Know

Fortunately, not everyone’s buying the noise. Fans, teammates, and even WNBA legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker have all expressed support and admiration for Clark’s impact — not just for her play, but for what she’s doing for the game.

A'ja Wilson And Caitlin Clark Choose Rest Over Unrivaled

“Caitlin is good for the league — period,” said Taurasi. “People may not like how she plays or the attention she gets, but she’s earned it.”

The Fever organization itself knows what they have. Clark’s chemistry with Aliyah Boston is growing. Her unselfish style is unlocking teammates. Her learning curve is sharp — and her will to compete is unmatched.

Ranking A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Top 20 Players in 2024 WNBA Playoffs

Final Thoughts: Grow Up, or Get Out of the Way

If you’re a GM or reporter still stuck in the “Caitlin’s not ready” mindset, here’s some advice:
Evolve — or be left behind.

Top 10 WNBA Players Heading Into 2025

Caitlin Clark is not the problem.
She’s the solution.
To your attendance problem.
To your visibility problem.
To your relevance problem.

 

And the more some voices try to downplay her, the clearer it becomes — they fear the change she represents.

Brace yourselves.
Year 2 of the nonsense is here… but Caitlin Clark is just getting started.