Caitlin Clark continues to be one of the most divisive players in the WNBA, dividing opinion despite being one of the league’s best players and biggest superstars.
Congressman Brendan Boyle of Philadelphia has questioned the way the WNBA has marketed Clark since her arrival in the league.
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US Congressman Questions WNBA’s Marketing of Caitlin Clark
Clark has helped spark a surge in WNBA popularity over the last three years. However, her arrival to the league has led to strong debates over her overshadowing the already established players. Some have also called out Clark for her on-court demeanor and for getting favorable calls from the officials.
However, others claim the WNBA is not doing a good job marketing Clark, and the relationship between the league and the player has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
Congressman Boyle has now joined the conversation. Comparing Clark to NBA legend Michael Jordan, he asked his followers on X why the WNBA was not marketing the Indiana Fever superstar as the league’s face.
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“Admittedly I’m not a big WNBA fan and won’t be until Philly gets a team. But it’s just bizarre to me they don’t market the one player they have who attracts so many fans, and that’s Caitlin Clark. It’s so strange. I remember the way the NBA marketed Jordan to the hilt,” Congressman Brendan Boyle wrote on X.
Clark was recently left out of the WNBA’s poster celebrating the 30th anniversary of the league. Some analysts have also questioned the league and officials’ lack of action against the physical defensive approach opponents take against her.
This came under the spotlight after Clark was subjected to a physical approach by the Phoenix Mercury defenders and had to leave the game due to a back issue. The league later announced a one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas for punching Clark in the throat.
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It remains to be seen whether there indeed exists a divide between Clark and the WNBA. The 24-year-old has played a crucial role in elevating the WNBA through her performances on the court.
Clark is averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 43.0% from the field and 34.4% from the three-point line.
