Stephen A. Smith EXPOSES WNBA’s Mishandling of Caitlin Clark: A Missed Opportunity That Could Change Women’s Basketball Forever

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the sports world, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith launched a fiery critique of the WNBA’s approach to its brightest new star, Caitlin Clark. Smith, never one to mince words, accused the league of failing to capitalize on the unprecedented popularity and marketability Clark has brought to women’s basketball—a move he warns could have lasting consequences for the league’s future.

Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of transformational. Before even playing a regular season game, she was already breaking attendance records, driving television ratings to new heights, and generating a buzz around women’s basketball not seen in decades. From Forbes 30 Under 30 to Time Athlete of the Year, Clark’s accolades have piled up, and her impact has been felt far beyond the hardwood. Yet, as Smith points out, the league’s response has been lukewarm at best, marked by missed marketing opportunities, lackluster promotions, and a reluctance to fully embrace the star power she brings.

Smith’s criticism is not just about marketing; it’s a warning about the WNBA’s future. He argues that while sports leagues live and die by their superstars—think LeBron James in the NBA or Serena Williams in tennis—the WNBA has been slow, even resistant, to put Clark front and center. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, the league’s leadership, including Commissioner Kathy Engelbert, has offered little more than background support, treating Clark’s meteoric rise as a side note rather than the main event.

The most glaring example, according to Smith, is how the league handled Clark’s rookie of the year announcement. Where past winners received prime-time coverage and team-wide celebrations, Clark reportedly learned of her honor through a simple phone call during practice. For a player who has brought unprecedented attention and revenue to the league, the understated recognition felt like a missed opportunity to galvanize fans and further promote the WNBA brand.

Fans have taken notice. Across social media, supporters have voiced frustration at what they perceive as the league’s unwillingness to fully support its biggest ticket. The sentiment is echoed by Smith, who argues that the WNBA’s hesitancy is not only confusing but self-sabotaging. “How can a league cry out for growth and then treat its biggest star like an afterthought?” he asks. The question resonates with many who see Clark as the key to expanding the league’s audience and boosting its bottom line.

Smith’s takedown extended beyond league leadership to include former players and commentators, such as WNBA legend Cheryl Swoops, who have been hesitant to fully embrace Clark’s impact. Rather than uniting behind a generational talent, Smith suggests that some in the league have responded with indifference or even jealousy, further complicating the task of building a cohesive, star-driven brand.

The league’s reluctance to put Clark at the forefront is especially puzzling given the tangible results she has delivered. Since her debut, WNBA television ratings have soared, attendance figures have reached all-time highs, and merchandise sales—particularly Clark’s jerseys—have consistently sold out. These are the kinds of metrics that sports executives dream of, yet the league’s promotional efforts have failed to match the magnitude of the moment.

Smith points out that other professional leagues have long understood the importance of building around superstars. The NBA’s global expansion was fueled by the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, while the NFL has embraced players like Patrick Mahomes as faces of the sport. In contrast, the WNBA’s approach to Clark has been cautious, almost as if the league is afraid to put too much faith in one player. Engelbert’s repeated assertion that “no league is about one player” may be technically true, but as Smith notes, it misses the point: superstars drive growth, and ignoring them is a recipe for stagnation.

The league’s handling of Clark’s rise is not just a marketing issue—it’s also a matter of player safety and fair play. Smith and others have highlighted a pattern of inconsistent officiating and physical play targeting Clark, with little response from league officials. In one widely discussed incident, Clark received a technical foul for tapping the backboard in frustration after a missed shot—a call that many believe would never have been made against a more established star. Such moments have fueled perceptions of a double standard, with Clark bearing the brunt of both on-court aggression and off-court indifference.

For Clark, the lack of institutional support has meant navigating a rookie season marked by both historic highs and unnecessary challenges. While she has continued to perform at an elite level, drawing new fans to the sport and inspiring the next generation of female athletes, the league’s slow response threatens to undermine the momentum she has created. Smith’s warning is clear: if the WNBA fails to adapt, it risks not only losing Clark’s star power but also alienating the new audience she has brought to the game.

The stakes could not be higher. Women’s basketball is experiencing a renaissance, with Clark at the center of a cultural shift that has brought the sport into the mainstream. Fans are showing up in record numbers, sponsors are investing more than ever, and the media is paying attention. Yet, the league’s leadership seems content to let this moment pass by, relying on vague slogans and social media hashtags rather than bold vision and decisive action.

Smith’s critique has struck a chord because it reflects what many fans, players, and analysts have been saying for months: the WNBA is at a crossroads. One path leads to sustained growth, packed arenas, and a lasting legacy for women’s sports. The other leads to missed opportunities and the bitter taste of what might have been. The choice, Smith argues, is clear—if only the league is willing to seize it.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the WNBA responds. Will the league finally embrace Clark as the superstar she is, or will it continue to hedge its bets, risking the goodwill and excitement she has generated? For now, the ball is in Commissioner Engelbert’s court. The world is watching, and the clock is ticking.

If you stand with Caitlin Clark, fans are encouraged to make their voices heard. The future of women’s basketball may depend on it.