“All Eyes on Caitlin”: WNBA Players Reportedly Frustrated as Every Fever Game Goes National

The WNBA is entering a bold new era—but not without a few sparks flying along the way.

When the league announced that all 41 games of the Indiana Fever—yes, every single one—will be nationally televised this season, fans went wild. Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom from Iowa, is officially the most watched name in women’s basketball.

But while viewers are thrilled, not everyone in the league is celebrating.

According to recent interviews, some veteran WNBA stars are growing uneasy with what they’re calling an “imbalanced spotlight”—and they’re starting to speak out.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Hype or Hard Truth?

Clark’s impact is undeniable. Her games break records. Her name trends weekly. Her presence sells out arenas—so much so that several teams have moved games to larger venues just to accommodate the surge in demand.

In terms of TV ratings, merchandise, and ticket sales, no one is moving the needle like Caitlin Clark.

But the league’s decision to give the Fever 41 national TV slots—more than the defending champion New York Liberty—has sparked instant tension among players who feel overlooked.

Napheesa Collier: “It’s Kind of Crazy”

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier didn’t mince words:

“Obviously, people want to watch Caitlin play… but there are stars all over the league, and you want good basketball too.”

She noted the irony that the defending champs have fewer nationally televised games than a team that, just last year, finished with 11 wins.

Her message was clear: Yes, Clark deserves the spotlight—but the rest of the league shouldn’t be left in the shadows.

A Business-Driven Decision?

It’s easy to see why the WNBA is going all-in on Caitlin Clark. Her games routinely outdraw playoff matchups in terms of viewership. Her arrival has helped boost attendance across the league. She’s the rare athlete who brings in casual fans, new viewers, and mainstream coverage.

This isn’t favoritism—it’s business.

But the optics are tricky. When one player gets all the coverage, others naturally feel pushed aside. Especially when those “others” are MVPs, champions, and franchise leaders who have been grinding for years without the same level of exposure.

A League at a Crossroads

This moment is bigger than just TV schedules. It’s about how the WNBA tells its story moving forward.

Can the league balance its most marketable star with the depth of talent it’s cultivated over decades? Can it embrace the Caitlin Clark boom without alienating the very players who built the foundation?

Some say this is a “good problem to have.” Others warn that unchecked imbalance could create fractures that hurt the league’s unity and credibility.

Final Thoughts: Hype vs. Legacy

No one is denying Caitlin Clark’s influence. She’s earned the attention, the airtime, and the fans.

But as the WNBA grows, the real challenge lies in building a league that lifts everyone—not just the hottest name in the headlines.

Because while Clark may be the current engine, it takes a whole team to win the game.