Is the WNBA Ignoring Caitlin Clark? Former ESPN anchor denounces treatment of Indiana Fever star

Linda Cohn believes the WNBA is overcomplicating its relationship with Caitlin Clark . The former ESPN host says Clark’s popularity should be treated as an asset the league can build around, not something it needs to balance so carefully that the Indiana Fever guard occasionally appears sidelined in its own promotion.

Cohn made that case during a recent conversation with journalist Christine Brennan , arguing that the WNBA can spotlight Clark while still respecting the stars and veterans who established the league long before her arrival.

“I was just talking, rehashing with Dominic about it, when the league went out of their way not to promote Caitlin Clark, and because they were so intent of like, ‘Oh, we can’t forget the people that build this,’” Cohn said.

“And I always said you can promote the league through Caitlin Clark,” Cohn continued. “Don’t go out of your way to ignore Caitlin Clark.”

Gateway to the rest of the WNBA

Cohn compared Clark ’s impact to Tiger Woods ’ transformational influence on golf.

“You know, like with Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour many moons ago, she’s making your world better,” she said.

That comparison gets to the heart of the argument. Woods became the sport’s biggest attraction without erasing the achievements of the golfers who preceded him.

His presence brought new viewers into golf, many of whom eventually became fans of other players and tournaments. Cohn believes Clark offers the WNBA a similar opportunity.

The debate has intensified following several promotional decisions that drew criticism from fans.

An August graphic for a Fever-Dallas Wings matchup highlighted Lexie Hull and Raven Johnson for Indiana but didn't feature Clark , while Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale represented Dallas.

Another nationally televised doubleheader promotion earlier in the season also left Clark out.

A 30th-anniversary poster sparked similar backlash, although that situation carried an important caveat because licensing issues were reportedly involved and several prominent WNBA legends were also absent.

Clark’s commercial pull keeps growing

The broader business picture helps explain why the issue continues to attract attention.

The WNBA has experienced major gains in television audiences, attendance and commercial interest while also securing an 11-year media rights deal reportedly worth $3.1 billion.

Clark has frequently been cited as one of the strongest forces behind that growth. Her profile also continues to expand outside the league.

Nike will release the Caitlin 1, Clark ’s first signature basketball shoe, on October 1. The adult version is priced at $140 in North America, with several colorways planned.

Clark signed an eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike in 2024 and has spent more than a year helping develop the shoe. Cohn’s point isn't that every WNBA promotion needs to center Clark .

It's that the league does not need to choose between honoring its past and maximizing the enormous attention surrounding one of its biggest current stars. In her view, Clark’s reach can lift everyone.