Caitlin Clark’s Impact on the WNBA: Envy, Criticism, and the Unspoken Truth Behind Her Success

In just a short time, Caitlin Clark has revolutionized the WNBA. From breaking records to generating unprecedented attention for the league, the rookie sensation’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. But as the spotlight shines brighter on Clark, a darker side of her success has begun to surface: envy, backhanded praise, and relentless criticism from both within and outside the WNBA.

Enter Lisa Leslie—Hall of Famer, legend, and one of the greatest icons the sport has ever known. Leslie has become the voice of reason in an era when many seem more focused on tearing down Clark than celebrating the monumental changes she’s brought to the league. In an exclusive interview with USA Today, Leslie shared her candid thoughts, providing a perspective that many inside the league have been too afraid to articulate: Caitlin Clark isn’t just benefiting the Indiana Fever—she’s good for the entire WNBA.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: A Game-Changer for the WNBA

When Caitlin Clark arrived in the WNBA, the league was forever altered. Her first season in 2024 was nothing short of historic. The Indiana Fever saw a massive 39% increase in attendance, shattering the WNBA’s single-season attendance record with over 300,000 fans at home games. Across the league, 154 games sold out, a staggering increase from the previous year’s 45.

But it doesn’t stop there. Viewership for WNBA games skyrocketed in 2024, with Clark’s games dominating the top seven most-watched games in ESPN history. Over 54 million people tuned in to watch the WNBA that year, the highest number the league has ever seen. Clark’s presence had an undeniable ripple effect, reaching across fans, media, and even casual sports observers.

And yet, despite her undeniable impact, some players, media personalities, and fans still try to downplay or discredit her influence. From subtle jabs to race-based criticisms, Clark has been the target of more negativity off the court than many players face during their entire careers.

Lisa Leslie Speaks the Truth: “She’s Good for the Entire League”

Enter Lisa Leslie, the original icon of women’s basketball, who has remained one of the most respected voices in the game. In her interview, Leslie didn’t hold back, making it clear that Caitlin Clark’s rise is a win for everyone in the WNBA.

Leslie’s message was simple yet powerful: “I think it’s all about money and marketing. We cannot deny what Caitlin Clark has done for the women’s game,” she stated. Leslie went on to address the increasing resentment surrounding Clark’s prominence, particularly as the WNBA continues to benefit from her immense popularity.

Clark’s effect on the WNBA has been nothing short of transformative. For the 2025 season, the Fever is set to appear in a record-breaking 41 nationally televised games, surpassing even powerhouse teams like the Aces and the New York Liberty. This increase in visibility has resulted in significant sponsorship deals and the league securing a $2.2 billion media rights deal. As Leslie puts it: “When one player eats, we all eat.” Clark is bringing attention, revenue, and sponsorships to the WNBA like never before—so why are some still begrudging her success?

The Hypocrisy of Envy: Resentment Toward Clark’s Success

What’s become increasingly apparent is the jealousy brewing behind the scenes. Despite Clark’s incredible contributions to the league’s popularity, some players can’t seem to accept that she’s reaping the rewards of her hard work.

Even top WNBA stars like Napheesa Collier have publicly questioned why Clark is getting so much attention. This, despite Collier reportedly offering Clark $1 million to join her offseason league, Unrivaled. Ironically, Unrivaled struggled to crack 100,000 viewers without Clark, but with her involvement, it likely would have gone viral. Instead, Clark remained loyal to the WNBA, only to be criticized by some of the same players who tried to entice her into their league.

This hypocrisy is stunning. Clark didn’t just bring hype—she delivered. The WNBA’s success in 2024, driven in large part by Clark’s star power, is undeniable. Yet, some players are still unwilling to acknowledge that her presence is elevating the entire league. Instead of being celebrated for her contributions, Clark has become the target of petty criticism and unwarranted negativity.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Clark Is Helping the Entire League

Leslie’s words are cutting through the noise. “She’s had a huge effect. The Caitlin Clark effect. Have we ever had teams move to larger arenas just to play against a team? No. So if we have more eyeballs on the game and Caitlin Clark brings that—why would we feel some kind of way because she has more television games?” Leslie’s message is loud and clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t taking anything away from anyone. She’s bringing opportunity, exposure, and financial growth to the entire league. The rise in viewership, ticket sales, and sponsorships should be celebrated, not resented.

While some players and commentators still resist acknowledging Clark’s profound impact, others, like Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, have admitted that Clark’s arrival helped secure the record-breaking media rights deal for the league. In fact, Reeve herself, who has been critical of Clark in the past, has now come to see the value of her influence on the WNBA.

A Moment of Reflection: What Is Really at Stake?

At the heart of this debate is a question of values. As the WNBA navigates this moment of growth, the league must decide whether to embrace the positive changes driven by players like Caitlin Clark or continue to allow petty jealousy and division to undermine the progress being made. The league is facing a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape its future.

Clark’s unprecedented rise has given the WNBA a platform that’s been years in the making. With increased visibility, stronger ratings, and a new generation of fans tuning in, the WNBA has never been in a better position to grow. However, the internal battles, fueled by envy and resentment, threaten to derail the momentum that Clark has helped create.

Conclusion: Supporting the Future of Women’s Basketball

It’s time for the WNBA to take a hard look at what’s really important: unity, growth, and opportunity for all players. Caitlin Clark has shown what’s possible when the league embraces its stars and allows them to shine. It’s time for the players, coaches, and fans to put aside their petty differences and recognize that when one player succeeds, the entire league benefits.

As the WNBA moves forward, it must focus on what truly matters: empowering the next generation of stars and ensuring that the success of players like Caitlin Clark is celebrated—not resented. This is the future of women’s basketball, and it’s time for everyone to get on board with that reality. Only then can the WNBA reach its full potential, and Clark’s legacy as a game-changer will be cemented as the catalyst for the league’s rise.