Caitlin Clark’s Undeniable Impact on the WNBA—and the Media Narrative That Risks Dividing Women’s Sports

Forbes recently found itself at the center of backlash after publishing a piece crediting Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson as the driving forces behind the WNBA’s growth.

While both athletes are undoubtedly talented and influential, the article notably downplayed Caitlin Clark’s massive and measurable contributions—an omission that many see as a disservice not only to Clark but to the league’s progress as a whole.

Clark has rapidly become a transformative figure in women’s basketball. Her presence has broken viewership records, filled arenas, and ignited a cultural moment for the WNBA unlike anything in its recent history.

Yet, media narratives like Forbes’ seem to overlook these tangible impacts, instead focusing on less substantial indicators such as social media metrics. This shift in focus not only skews public perception but risks overshadowing the real data that tells the true story of who is moving the needle for the league.

Since her entry into the WNBA, Clark has sparked unprecedented attention.

Her games consistently lead in viewership, and her rookie season has shattered records that had stood for decades. Attendance at her games has surged by more than 50%, prompting sellouts, soaring ticket prices, and a boom in merchandise sales.

The financial ripple effect is undeniable: teams see increased revenue from concessions and sponsorships, while the league itself experiences newfound national relevance.

While it’s important to recognize the accomplishments of other players like Reese and Wilson—both of whom have made impressive contributions—the scale of Clark’s impact simply cannot be ignored.

Her appeal has crossed into mainstream culture, landing her high-profile endorsements and partnerships that far exceed those of her peers.

These brand deals not only elevate Clark’s profile but also bring attention and investment to the WNBA as a whole.

Despite this, some corners of the media have chosen to frame the narrative through the lens of identity politics, shifting the focus from merit and measurable achievement to race-based framing.

Forbes’ portrayal is emblematic of a broader trend in sports journalism, one that risks dividing female athletes along racial lines instead of celebrating their collective triumphs.

This type of narrative, intentional or not, undermines the unity essential for the continued rise of women’s sports.

What’s missing from these skewed portrayals is an acknowledgment of how Clark’s success uplifts the entire league.

The fans she draws in, the sponsors she attracts, and the media buzz she generates all contribute to increased visibility and opportunity for every WNBA player.

Her marketability doesn’t just benefit her—it’s a rising tide lifting all boats.

This moment should be a celebration of the WNBA’s growth and the incredible athletes propelling it forward. Yet, when media outlets misrepresent the sources of that growth, they dilute the league’s narrative and distract from the real progress being made.

Rather than fostering division, the media should embrace a more honest and unified portrayal—one that champions the collective accomplishments of women athletes while giving credit where it is rightfully due.

The WNBA is finally receiving long-overdue recognition after years of marginalization. This achievement is the result of both individual brilliance and collective perseverance.

Caitlin Clark’s presence has simply accelerated that momentum. Her impact—both on and off the court—has redefined what’s possible for women’s basketball.

It’s time for media narratives to reflect that truth without distortion.