Brazil’s Respect for Caitlin Clark Exposes WNBA’s Missed Opportunity as Women’s Basketball Enters a New Era

When Brazil’s national team coach approached Caitlin Clark after a sold-out preseason game and told her, “You are changing the history of basketball,” it was more than a simple gesture of sportsmanship. It was a moment that crystallized a growing divide in women’s basketball—a divide between those who recognize the sport’s transformative stars and those who seem reluctant to embrace the change they bring. This moment, witnessed by nearly 15,000 fans and millions more online, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about respect, recognition, and the future of the WNBA.

Clark’s impact on the women’s game is undeniable. The Indiana Fever’s preseason matchup against Brazil was not just another exhibition; it was a showcase for the economic and cultural power of a generational talent. The Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark’s former college home, was packed to capacity with 14,998 fans. The average ticket price soared to $650, resulting in an eye-popping $9.75 million in revenue from a single preseason game. This figure dwarfs typical WNBA regular season earnings and underscores the unprecedented demand Clark has created wherever she plays.

The Brazilian team’s response to Clark was remarkable. After the game, Brazilian players lined up for autographs, posed for photos, and even made TikTok videos with Clark and her Fever teammates. The respect was genuine and heartfelt, coming from athletes who travel economy, stay in modest hotels, and operate with limited resources. Their coach’s words were not hollow praise but a direct acknowledgment of Clark’s role in elevating the sport on a global scale. This stands in stark contrast to the often chilly reception Clark has received from some WNBA veterans, who have turned their backs during introductions or skipped customary handshakes.

The contrast is striking. While international teams, who gain little direct benefit from Clark’s popularity, show appreciation for her achievements, some within the WNBA—whose own salaries, travel conditions, and league visibility have improved thanks to Clark’s presence—seem hesitant to offer the same recognition. This dynamic has fueled heated debate among fans and commentators. Why is it that athletes from halfway around the world, many of whom are women of color, are so quick to celebrate Clark’s success, while some of her American peers remain distant?

The answer may lie in the broader culture of sports and the lessons history offers. When Tiger Woods burst onto the PGA Tour in the late 1990s, he transformed golf overnight. Prize money soared, television ratings exploded, and every player on tour benefited financially from his presence. Woods’ competitors, even those he routinely beat, publicly acknowledged his impact and welcomed the new era he ushered in. They understood that a rising tide lifts all boats—that more viewers, more sponsors, and more excitement ultimately benefit everyone involved.

The WNBA now finds itself in a similar position. Clark’s arrival has brought unprecedented attention, media coverage, and financial gains to the league. Ratings are up, merchandise is flying off the shelves, and teams are playing in front of larger crowds than ever before. Yet, instead of embracing this “Tiger Woods moment,” some in the league seem determined to downplay Clark’s role or question her abilities. This approach risks alienating new fans and squandering the momentum that Clark has generated.

The Brazilian team’s response illustrates what true sportsmanship and smart business look like. Their willingness to celebrate Clark’s achievements, despite having no direct stake in her success, sends a powerful message. It is a recognition that greatness should be honored, not resented, and that the growth of the sport benefits everyone. The WNBA, by contrast, risks appearing insular and resistant to change at a time when openness and inclusivity are more important than ever.

On the court, Clark continues to deliver performances that justify the hype. Against Brazil, she scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers—one from an astonishing 36 feet, well beyond her signature logo spot. The crowd erupted, and even the Brazilian players could only watch in awe. The Fever’s starting lineup, featuring Clark alongside established stars like Kelsey Mitchell and Aaliyah Boston, looked cohesive and dangerous, shooting 45.5% from three-point range. The team’s chemistry and offensive firepower suggest that they are poised to challenge for a championship, further fueling fan excitement.

The economic impact of Clark’s presence extends far beyond ticket sales. Her popularity drives merchandise sales, boosts television ratings, and attracts new sponsors to the league. She has become an economic engine for women’s basketball, a catalyst for growth at every level. Fans line up for hours to see her play, and her games are now “appointment viewing” for a national (and increasingly international) audience. Clark’s influence is not limited to the box score; she is changing the way people perceive and engage with the women’s game.

This raises important questions for the WNBA’s leadership. Will the league recognize the unique opportunity it has in Clark and embrace her as the face of its future? Or will lingering resentment and outdated attitudes prevent women’s basketball from reaching its full potential? The answer may well determine the trajectory of the sport for years to come.

Brazil’s example offers a roadmap. Their coach and players showed that celebrating a star’s impact is not a sign of weakness or surrender, but of vision and respect. They understood that Clark’s success does not diminish their own achievements, but rather shines a brighter light on the entire sport. By welcoming Clark, they positioned themselves as ambassadors for a new era of women’s basketball—one defined by mutual respect, shared growth, and global appeal.

The WNBA stands at a crossroads. The league has fought for decades to earn mainstream attention, better pay, and improved working conditions. Now, with a player capable of generating nearly $10 million from a single preseason game, the path forward should be clear. Embracing Clark and the excitement she brings is not just good sportsmanship—it’s good business.

As the Indiana Fever continue to break attendance records and Clark’s legend grows, the league’s response will be scrutinized by fans, media, and stakeholders alike. The lesson from Brazil is simple but profound: when a transformative star emerges, the best response is to recognize, celebrate, and build upon their success. Anything less risks squandering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate women’s basketball to unprecedented heights.

In the end, it took a team from Brazil to show the WNBA how a true star should be treated. Now, the question remains—will the league follow their lead and seize this historic moment, or will it let old habits hold it back? The future of women’s basketball may depend on the answer.