WNBA’s Caitlin Clark controversy becomes impossible for league to ignore originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caitlin Clark has become so central to the WNBA conversation that even when she is not featured, she somehow still becomes the story anyway. That was the case Sunday after the WNBA posted a promotional graphic on X for a nationally televised doubleheader featuring the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm alongside the Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream. Fans quickly noticed something that immediately dominated the discussion surrounding the graphic: Clark was nowhere to be found.
Instead, the WNBA used rookie guard Raven Johnson alongside Zia Cooke for the Fever-Storm matchup, while the earlier game featured stars A’ja Wilson and Angel Reese. That decision immediately triggered strong reactions online, especially considering Clark’s massive popularity entering the 2026 season.
Caitlin Clark graphic sparks wave of backlash
The backlash came quickly from fans, commentators, and media personalities who viewed the omission as a major marketing mistake by the league.
There=”” is=”” no=”” conclusion=”” to=”” make=”” other=”” than=”” the=”” @WNBA
=”” hates=”” Caitlin=”” Clark=”” by=”” today’s=”” marketing=”” decision=”” >https://t.co/N7onFbBxdG=”” >pic.twitter.com/iuLtiNDkjO
—=”” Dave=”” Portnoy=”” (@stoolpresidente)=”” >May=”” 17,=”” 2026=””