WNBA Legends FURIOUS After LPGA Steals Caitlin Clark’s Biggest Deal

Shockwaves have hit the WNBA after reports surfaced that the LPGA Tour managed to secure Caitlin Clark’s biggest off-court deal. The move has left several WNBA legends fuming, arguing that women’s basketball is once again losing its brightest star’s commercial spotlight to another sport.

Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick for the Indiana Fever, has become one of the most influential figures in women’s sports. Her record-breaking college career and electric rookie season transformed the WNBA, driving massive ticket sales, TV ratings, and social media buzz. The so-called “Clark Effect” made her a household name and revitalized interest in women’s basketball.

However, despite her enormous impact, Clark’s WNBA salary remains relatively modest. While she earns millions through sponsorships and endorsements, her on-court pay is a fraction of what her influence is worth. That imbalance has become a flashpoint for debate among players and fans alike.

The controversy escalated when news broke that the LPGA had reached a major partnership deal with Clark, featuring her in a celebrity Pro-Am event and a series of golf-related campaigns. For many observers, it appeared that golf — not basketball — was benefiting most from Clark’s meteoric rise.

Veteran WNBA players were quick to voice their frustration. Several legends reportedly felt that the league had failed to capitalize on its biggest star, allowing other organizations to swoop in and claim the commercial momentum that Clark had generated. “It’s crazy to see another league out-marketing us using our own player’s popularity,” one former WNBA champion said anonymously.

Adding to the tension, some within the league office were rumored to have suggested that Clark should be “grateful” for the platform the WNBA provides. That comment, perceived as dismissive, only deepened the divide between younger stars and veteran leadership. Many players argue that Clark’s stardom benefits the entire league — and that the league should be doing everything possible to keep her energy, attention, and sponsorship dollars inside basketball.

For the LPGA, however, the collaboration is a marketing masterstroke. Clark’s crossover appeal — combining athletic excellence, charisma, and a wholesome public image — fits perfectly with the LPGA’s growing effort to attract younger audiences and sports fans beyond golf. Her appearance at recent golf events drew large crowds and boosted media coverage, proving her star power extends well beyond the hardwood.

Meanwhile, WNBA legends see a troubling trend: if the league doesn’t adapt quickly, it risks losing not just players’ time, but also the cultural momentum that Clark helped ignite. “This should be a wake-up call,” one former MVP said. “If our biggest superstar finds more value outside our sport, something is seriously wrong with the system.”

In the end, the situation isn’t just about Caitlin Clark — it’s about the future of women’s basketball. Her growing list of off-court ventures shows that she can thrive anywhere. The question now is whether the WNBA can evolve fast enough to keep its brightest star fully within its orbit — before another sport steals the spotlight again.