Diana Taurasi Calls Caitlin Clark’s LPGA Deal a “Slap in the Face” to the WNBA

The WNBA world is reeling after legendary guard Diana Taurasi made explosive comments about Caitlin Clark’s recently announced endorsement deal with the LPGA. In an interview with a leading sports network, Taurasi didn’t hold back, describing the deal as a “slap in the face” to the league that helped launch Clark’s professional career. Her remarks have sparked heated debate across sports media, fan communities, and the locker rooms of both the WNBA and LPGA.

Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and one of the most decorated athletes in basketball history, expressed frustration over what she perceives as a lack of loyalty to the league. “Caitlin Clark is an incredible player — no one is denying that,” Taurasi said. “But to sign a massive deal outside of the WNBA before truly committing to the league that made her a household name? That feels wrong. It sends a message that the league isn’t the priority.”

The LPGA deal, reportedly worth several million dollars, grants Clark promotional rights and collaboration opportunities with the women’s golf organization. While many fans celebrated the partnership as a milestone for athlete crossover and brand expansion, Taurasi’s comments highlight an ongoing tension in women’s sports: balancing individual opportunities with loyalty to the leagues that fostered talent.

Many WNBA insiders have privately echoed Taurasi’s concerns. Some veteran players fear that deals like Clark’s could create an uneven playing field, where rookies prioritize personal branding over team and league growth. Others, however, argue that athletes should have the freedom to explore opportunities, especially in a sports ecosystem where WNBA salaries are comparatively modest.

Clark, meanwhile, has not responded publicly to Taurasi’s remarks. Sources close to the Indiana Fever star suggest that she sees the LPGA deal as a chance to expand her influence and inspire young female athletes across multiple sports. “Caitlin is building a platform,” one insider said. “She wants to make a statement that women’s athletes can excel in more than one arena, literally and figuratively.”

The controversy has ignited a broader discussion on social media. Fans are divided: some agree with Taurasi, emphasizing league loyalty and respect for the WNBA’s history. Others defend Clark, pointing out that modern athletes must navigate sponsorships and branding to secure financial independence and long-term success. Hashtags like #TeamTaurasi and #TeamClark have trended simultaneously, demonstrating just how polarized opinions are.

Sports analysts note that this debate underscores a key challenge for the WNBA: attracting and retaining talent while also supporting athletes’ growth off the court. Clark’s LPGA deal is just the latest example of how global brands are seeking to work with the next generation of female sports superstars, and it raises questions about the league’s role in accommodating these opportunities.

As the discussion unfolds, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s career continues to be about more than basketball. From breaking records on the court to negotiating major deals off it, she is reshaping what it means to be a female athlete in 2025. Taurasi’s comments may have sparked controversy, but they also highlight the growing pains of a league — and a generation — coming into its own.