The WNBA owner’s comments about Caitlin Clark’s "Athlete of the Year" win have raised eyebrows, with many questioning the fairness of the claim, leading to heated discussions in the sports community. (PO)

Caitlin Clark Faces Backlash from WNBA Owner Sheila Johnson Following TIME’s “Athlete of the Year” Honor

Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, has recently found herself in the midst of a controversy after being named TIME Magazine’s 2024 “Athlete of the Year.” The recognition, while a significant milestone for Clark, has sparked a public critique from Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson, who expressed dissatisfaction with the accolade.

During an interview with CNN, Johnson voiced her belief that the entire WNBA should have been recognized for the league’s resurgence, instead of singling out one player. She argued that the collective effort of the league’s players, including Clark and others like Angel Reese, played a vital role in the growth and visibility of the WNBA.

Sheila Johnson’s Criticism

“It has taken the WNBA almost 28 years to get to the point where we are now and this year something clicked with the WNBA and it’s because of the draft of the players that came in,” Johnson said. “It’s just not Caitlin Clark. It’s Reese. We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized. And I don’t think we can pin it on just one player.”

She went on to suggest that TIME could have honored the entire WNBA by naming the league “the league of the year” instead of focusing on one individual. Johnson also expressed concern about the potential divisiveness of singling out a single player, stating that it could lead to “hard feelings” within the league and further promote stories of racial tension that she believes are unnecessary.

“So last night TIME Magazine with Caitlin Clark is named Athlete of the Year,” Johnson continued. “Why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said the WNBA is the league of the year? Because of all the talent that we have. Because when we just keep singling out one player it creates hard feelings. And so now you’re starting to hear stories of racism within the WNBA and I don’t want to hear that.”

Community Notes Defend Caitlin Clark

Johnson’s comments sparked a backlash, particularly from fans who pointed out the undeniable impact that Clark has had on the WNBA, especially in her rookie season. Many took to social media, with some noting that the Washington Mystics themselves benefited from Clark’s presence on the court.

X’s Community Notes provided data showing how the Mystics had a significant increase in attendance during their matchups with the Fever, thanks in part to Clark’s popularity. “31% of the Mystics total home attendance for the entire 2024 season came from the two games versus Caitlin Clark and the Fever,” the note read.

Fans also chimed in, with one asking, “What a comedian. Does she have a Netflix special?”

The Bigger Picture: Who Deserves “Athlete of the Year”?

While Johnson’s perspective is rooted in her belief that the entire league should be recognized for the WNBA’s growth, others argue that the TIME Magazine honor is about recognizing an individual who has made a significant impact in that year. Caitlin Clark, with her remarkable rookie season, broke records, boosted attendance, and garnered mainstream attention for the WNBA in a way that few have done before.

In the end, the question remains: can one player truly be held accountable for the success of a team or league? While Johnson’s opinion might have resonated with some, it’s clear that Clark’s individual accomplishments have had a profound effect on the WNBA, making her a deserving recipient of the title Athlete of the Year.

The League’s Future

The discussion also brings up a larger conversation about the direction of the WNBA and how to balance recognizing individual brilliance with promoting the collective success of the league as a whole. While Clark’s achievement may have sparked contention, it also highlights the growing visibility and influence of women’s basketball—both as a team effort and as a sport driven by the passion and determination of its players.