The Women's National Basketball Association unveiled a commemorative poster to mark its 30th anniversary, featuring roughly 20 players but notably excluding star guard Caitlin Clark.
The merchandise piece includes current standouts such as A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Sophie Cunningham, Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier, alongside legends like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes.
Fans quickly identified Clark’s omission and labeled it disrespectful, igniting a wave of criticism across social media platforms.
The backlash intensified after a recent on‑court incident in which Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas placed her fist on Clark’s throat, an act that resulted in a one‑game suspension for Thomas.
Clark entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and set a single‑season assists record with 337.
She also established rookie scoring benchmarks with 769 points and 122 three‑pointers, and her arrival coincided with a league‑record home‑attendance season for the Indiana Fever.
Since her debut, WNBA television viewership has risen sharply, with Clark’s games regularly drawing 1‑2 million viewers—a level not seen in decades.
Merchandise sales and game attendance have surged alongside the increased exposure, underscoring Clark’s impact on the league’s popularity.
Critics argue that repeatedly overlooking Clark in league promotions undermines her contributions and risks alienating a growing fan base.
League officials have not provided an explanation for the selection criteria used for the anniversary poster.
The episode highlights ongoing tension between the league’s marketing decisions and the expectations of a fan base that views Clark as a central figure in the sport’s recent growth.
