Clark ignored in WNBA playoff promo, fans outraged

The Indiana Fever rookie sensation in 2024, Caitlin Clark.

All season long, the star that has brought the WNBA out of obscurity and somehow rescued it from financial failure has been Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Not Angel Reese or Cameron Brink. Caitlin Clark, who has been making waves in the WNBA for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s all about her incredible skills on the court, but other times, it’s about the lack of recognition she receives from the media and the league.

In recent months, Clark’s fans have complained and criticized the league, accusing it of racist attitudes against Clark simply because she is white (the vast majority of players in the WNBA are black). The league’s latest action suggests that fans may not be so wrong.

Caitlin Clark shines as a MLB game broadcaster

Recently, there was a graphic showcasing all the teams that made the playoffs in the WNBA, and Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, made it. However, the league chose to feature Fever’s guard Kelsey Mitchell instead. The poster features only one white player, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, one of the favorites for the title.

This decision sparked a lot of backlash, with many people accusing the WNBA of purposefully excluding Clark and how it’s affecting the league in a negative way.

One comment pointed out, “This tells me the WNBA will be a passing fad, which will last as long as CC is in the league since the WNBA is learning nothing.” Another person compared the situation to having a star like Larry Bird in a basketball league and not promoting them, saying, “Imagine a basketball league having a star comparable to Larry Bird dropped into its midst and doing everything possible to not promote him/her. This is where we are in the WNBA.”

Fans slam league for overlooking Caitlin

The frustration and disappointment from fans and observers are evident. It’s clear that many feel that Clark deserves more recognition and support from the league. One comment even suggested that without Clark, no one would care about what goes on in the WNBA. The sentiment of jealousy being a driving force behind the lack of acknowledgment for Clark is also prevalent in these reactions.

One person expressed their disbelief, saying, “A joke indeed. The league is enjoying incredible and never before seen success and it’s all because of one person. And she is not even highlighted on their marketing piece.” These sentiments highlight the frustration and disappointment surrounding the situation.

It’s important to note that Kelsey Mitchell, the player featured in the graphic instead of Clark, has been an All-Star for the past two seasons and has also had an impressive career. However, the issue at hand seems to be more about the perceived lack of recognition for Clark rather than a direct comparison between the two players.

The controversy surrounding the graphic and the subsequent backlash indicate a larger conversation about how players are promoted and recognized within the WNBA. It’s clear that many believe that Clark deserves more spotlight and acknowledgment for her contributions to the league.