WNBA Commissioner IGNORES CAITLIN CLARK’S IMPACT As She TAKES FULL CREDIT FOR WNBA GROWTH. How Sad.

“The person she acknowledged as Angel Reese”???

WNBA Commissioner IGNORES CAITLIN CLARK’S IMPACT As She TAKES FULL CREDIT FOR WNBA GROWTH. How Sad.

“The person she acknowledged as Angel Reese.”

In a moment that has left fans stunned, frustrated, and questioning the direction of the league, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert publicly addressed the recent surge in popularity of the WNBA — but failed to mention the name on everyone’s lips: Caitlin Clark.

Despite Clark’s unprecedented influence on ticket sales, viewership, merchandise, and national attention, Engelbert’s comments have sparked outrage for not even acknowledging the rookie phenom, while instead highlighting other players — most notably Angel Reese — as the faces of the league’s momentum.

“The person she acknowledged as Angel Reese.”

In that single moment, it became clear to many that the league’s leadership might be actively ignoring the undeniable force that Caitlin Clark has become — and the consequences could be huge.

Caitlin Clark didn’t just join the WNBA. She redefined it. Since her debut with the Indiana Fever:

Game attendance has shattered previous WNBA records.

National television ratings for Fever games have surpassed NBA Summer League broadcasts.

Clark’s jersey has outsold every other player’s, across both men’s and women’s leagues, for multiple weeks.

Secondary ticket markets have seen price spikes of 300–500% when Clark is playing.

This isn’t hype — it’s historic.

Yet, when Commissioner Engelbert stood before the media this week to comment on the WNBA’s growth, she mentioned marketing efforts, new sponsorship deals, and “a range of players helping move the league forward.”

Not once did she say “Caitlin Clark.”

Instead, her praise focused on “authentic voices,” and Angel Reese was specifically name-dropped as a key figure leading the cultural wave in women’s sports.

🧊 A Cold Shoulder or a Calculated Move?

Many fans and analysts are interpreting the omission of Caitlin Clark’s name as a pointed snub, and they’re not wrong to wonder: is this political?

Angel Reese has made headlines for her bold personality, her unapologetic statements, and her strong sense of identity. She’s beloved by many for being outspoken, raw, and real. Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, has kept her focus on the game, rarely engaging in off-court drama.

Some believe that WNBA leadership is leaning into narrative politics, trying to promote certain players based on image, marketability, or social appeal — rather than the raw numbers and reach that Clark undeniably brings.

Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back:

“You want to grow the game? Then give credit where it’s due. Caitlin Clark is moving the needle like no one else. Ignoring that is not only wrong — it’s bad business.”

💥 Fan Reaction: Outrage and Disappointment

The fanbase has erupted online. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #SayHerName, #RespectClark, and #WNBABias began trending.

“Caitlin Clark IS the reason my daughter watches the WNBA now,” one fan posted. “To act like she doesn’t exist is insulting to fans.”

Even former WNBA players have joined the conversation. One veteran tweeted:

“Angel Reese is amazing, and she deserves credit. But you can’t build a league by playing favorites. You build it by being honest about who’s bringing people in.”

For many, this moment highlights a deeper issue: a disconnect between the league’s leadership and its audience.

👑 Angel Reese: Deserving of Praise, But Not the Whole Story

To be clear, Angel Reese has had a phenomenal impact on the league as well. Her rivalry with Clark dates back to their NCAA days and has carried into the WNBA. Her swagger, emotion, and passion for the game have drawn fans and attention in their own right.

But to highlight only Reese while deliberately leaving out Clark — the very player who’s being compared to LeBron James in terms of influence — is more than just an oversight.

It’s a strategic choice.

And it’s one that risks dividing the fanbase at a moment when unity and growth are most crucial.

🤐 Caitlin Clark Responds With Silence… and Stats

As usual, Caitlin Clark has stayed quiet amid the media storm. No comments, no statements. Just basketball.

In her latest game, she posted 28 points, 10 assists, and led the Fever to their biggest comeback win of the season. She smiled. She waved to fans. She signed jerseys for kids in the front row.

And just like that, she reminded everyone why she matters — not because of controversy, but because of consistency.

🚨 What Now for the WNBA?

Commissioner Engelbert’s decision to leave Caitlin Clark out of her speech may seem minor to some, but in the eyes of millions, it was a major misstep.

At a time when women’s sports are finally breaking barriers, the WNBA had a chance to celebrate all of its stars fairly. Instead, it chose to spotlight only a select few — and in doing so, alienated a massive, growing fanbase.

If the league wants to ride this wave into a sustainable future, it needs to embrace all of its talent — not pit them against each other.

And most importantly?

It needs to stop ignoring the obvious:

Caitlin Clark isn’t just part of the story — she’s the headline.