WNBA Snubs Caitlin Clark From 30th Anniversary Poster
The WNBA is facing intense backlash after leaving Iowa basketball icon Caitlin Clark off its official 30th anniversary poster. The league released the commemorative poster on Wednesday for $29.99, featuring 30 players from its history, but omitted the player widely credited with driving the league's recent surge in ratings, revenue, and attendance.
How Did Fans React to Caitlin Clark's Exclusion?
Fans and analysts were quick to point out the glaring omission. Outkick's Jon Root did not mince words, criticizing the league for leaving out its most marketable star and calling out the poor business decision.
“The WNBA is the most idiotic sports league of all time. Caitlin Clark is the BIGGEST superstar their league has ever had, who has single-handedly made the W notable for the first time in its 30-year history, yet she's not on this anniversary poster. Absolute morons,” Root wrote.
Instead of Clark or even 2011 MVP Tamika Catchings, the WNBA chose Sophie Cunningham to represent the Indiana Fever on the poster. Fans immediately questioned the logic of that decision, noting that Clark is the primary reason many viewers tune in to watch the Fever and other WNBA teams.
“It seems like a pretty obvious opportunity to put either Tamika Catchings or Caitlin Clark on this for the Fever. But the WNBA puts Sophie? This literally makes no sense,” one user wrote.
Another fan argued that the league is actively hurting its own bottom line by snubbing Clark, suggesting the WNBA simply doesn't like money by ignoring its biggest draw. Even NBA fans took notice of the snub, with a Luka Doncic fan account writing, “No Caitlin Clark on the WNBA's 30th anniversary poster. You don't hate them enough.”
What Are Iowa Leaders Saying About the Snub?
Iowa sports broadcaster Keith Murphy also weighed in, highlighting the undeniable economic impact Clark has had on the league. Murphy pointed out that the league's decision to ignore those facts is baffling.
“This is wild. WNBA celebrates 30 years with 30 players and doesn't include the player who brought the league the most attention, highest ratings, increased revenue and player salaries, schedule and team expansion, merch sales, and fan attendance its ever had. Good to see Bridget Carleton make the cut though,” Murphy wrote.
Is the WNBA Out of Touch With Its Audience?
Clark's impact on women's basketball is undeniable. She's brought unprecedented viewership, sold-out arenas, and massive merchandise sales to a league that historically struggled for mainstream attention. From a purely free market standpoint, leaving the face of your league off a milestone anniversary poster is a baffling move.
For Iowans who have followed Clark's journey from her record-breaking days at the University of Iowa to her professional career, the snub feels like another deliberate slight from a league that seems reluctant to embrace its biggest star. Whether the omission was a simple lack of foresight or a conscious choice, the WNBA once again finds itself answering to the very fans it relies on to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Caitlin Clark left off the WNBA 30th anniversary poster?
The WNBA has not released an official statement explaining why Caitlin Clark was excluded from the 30th anniversary poster. The league selected 30 players to represent its history, but Clark did not make the cut.
Who represented the Indiana Fever on the WNBA anniversary poster?
Sophie Cunningham was chosen to represent the Indiana Fever on the poster, a decision that sparked confusion among fans who expected either Caitlin Clark or former MVP Tamika Catchings to represent the franchise.
How has Caitlin Clark impacted the WNBA financially?
Caitlin Clark is widely credited with bringing the WNBA its highest television ratings, increased merchandise sales, record attendance, and new revenue streams that ultimately led to higher player salaries and league expansion.