The rise of Caitlin Clark in women’s college basketball has been nothing short of meteoric. The Iowa guard has taken the NCAA by storm, earning accolades, breaking records, and captivating fans with her electric style of play. However, as Clark’s games receive an ever-increasing amount of media attention, there’s a growing controversy within the women’s professional basketball world. Some WNBA stars are expressing their frustration as it seems every Caitlin Clark game is getting a national broadcast, leaving little room for coverage of the rest of the talented women’s basketball landscape.

Caitlin Clark’s Dominance on the Court

Caitlin Clark’s ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court has made her a household name. With a mix of deep three-pointers, fearless drives to the basket, and elite playmaking, Clark has become one of the most exciting players in NCAA history. Her high-scoring performances, including a 40-point game against top-ranked teams, have earned her praise from basketball fans and analysts alike.

As she continues to dazzle on the court, Clark’s games have become a must-watch event. Her talent and charisma have drawn large viewerships, especially for Iowa’s matchups on national television. With every big play, it’s clear why Clark is viewed as a future WNBA star and a potential number one overall draft pick.

National Broadcasts and the Media Frenzy

In recent months, Clark’s games have consistently appeared on national broadcasts, often taking center stage during primetime hours. ESPN, CBS, and other major sports networks have made sure to feature Iowa’s matchups in high-visibility slots, ensuring that Clark’s performance is showcased to the largest audience possible. This attention is not surprising, considering her star power, but it has created tension with some professional players in the WNBA.

The frustration stems from the overwhelming media focus on one player, which many believe is overshadowing the depth of talent in the women’s basketball world. Critics argue that while Clark’s success is commendable, there are numerous other players in college basketball, as well as in the WNBA, who are equally deserving of national attention. As a result, many WNBA stars are speaking out about the imbalance in coverage.

WNBA Players Voice Their Discontent

Several prominent WNBA players have made their feelings known on social media and in interviews, expressing their displeasure at the disproportionate focus on Clark’s games. Sue Bird, a longtime WNBA star, raised concerns about the lack of balanced media attention given to other women’s basketball talent. “It’s great that Caitlin Clark is being recognized, but this over-saturation of one player’s games can take away from the diversity of the talent pool we have,” Bird said in a recent interview.

Breanna Stewart, one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, echoed Bird’s sentiments. “We have so many incredible players in both the NCAA and the WNBA who deserve to be showcased,” she said. “While Caitlin Clark is absolutely talented, the focus on her can sometimes feel like it’s diminishing the accomplishments of other athletes. Women’s basketball is more than just one player.”

Even A’ja Wilson, reigning WNBA MVP, weighed in on the conversation, stating that while Clark’s rise has been impressive, the narrative shouldn’t come at the expense of the league’s athletes. “The WNBA has worked so hard to build the sport, and we’ve earned our place as the top women’s basketball league in the world. National broadcasters need to remember that.”

The Problem with Overexposure

The crux of the issue lies in the concept of overexposure. While it’s true that Clark’s games draw significant viewership, WNBA stars argue that the consistent national broadcasts of her matches might be contributing to a lack of exposure for other players—both at the college level and within the WNBA itself. The heavy media focus on Clark could inadvertently skew the public perception of women’s basketball, implying that there’s only one player worth watching or supporting.

This “star system” has long been an issue in sports, where networks focus all their attention on one player or team at the expense of highlighting the full spectrum of talent. Many believe that women’s basketball, which has long struggled for equal media coverage compared to men’s sports, is now facing a different kind of challenge: excessive spotlight on a single player instead of promoting the game as a whole.

Is It All About Caitlin Clark?

While Caitlin Clark’s story is certainly compelling—especially given her rise as a young player in the spotlight—many are questioning if it’s possible to build the women’s game around one individual. Clark’s immense talent is undeniable, but as the WNBA players have pointed out, women’s basketball is a collective effort, and there are multiple stars at every level who deserve recognition.

In the WNBA, players like Sabrina Ionescu, Nneka Ogwumike, and Arike Ogunbowale have consistently delivered at the highest levels, leading their teams and contributing to the growth of the league. Similarly, players in the NCAA, from Aliyah Boston to Rhyne Howard, are making major impacts and could use the same national exposure that Clark is receiving. The issue, then, is not just about Clark’s talent but about the broader narrative in women’s basketball, which needs to focus on showcasing all the athletes who are driving the sport forward.

What Needs to Change?

For WNBA players and critics alike, the solution is clear: greater diversity in media coverage. Instead of focusing solely on one player, networks and sports outlets should make a concerted effort to highlight a broader range of talent in the women’s game. This means more national broadcasts for key college matchups featuring top prospects, and more in-depth coverage of WNBA players throughout the season.

It’s also essential that broadcasters recognize the importance of the women’s game beyond the “star” narrative. If women’s basketball is ever going to reach the level of popularity and recognition it deserves, it needs to be viewed as a multifaceted sport with multiple stars, not just one.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Entire Game

Caitlin Clark’s success is exciting for women’s basketball, and her rise should absolutely be celebrated. However, the increasing national broadcast coverage of her games needs to be part of a broader conversation about growing the sport and ensuring that all players—at both the college and professional levels—get their fair share of the spotlight. As the WNBA stars have pointed out, it’s not about diminishing Clark’s accomplishments; it’s about creating a balanced narrative that highlights the depth and diversity of talent in women’s basketball. Only then can the sport continue to grow and thrive in the way it deserves.