The WNBA preseason is days away from tipping off, so fans are getting ready for an action-packed season like last year.
Understandably, many fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark, who took the league by storm with her sharpshooting ability and flashy passing.
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While Clark is going into her second WNBA season, things are slightly different this time. For starters, she isn’t coming off of an NCAA Tournament run 39 days prior like she was last year, she has a new coach in Stephanie White and her opening slate is much easier this time around.
The latter is something WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo and fans on social media pointed out on Tuesday.
“The WNBA wanted to cash-in, as much as possible. Last year’s schedule was ridiculous. Lucky someone didn’t sustain an injury,” wrote one fan.
“They earned it,” added another.
“They were set up to fail,” wrote another about last season.
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“I still can’t believe how ridiculous last year’s schedule was. Always appreciate Rebecca Lobo for talking about things nobody else in the media does,” said one user.
“I feel they tried to humble CC but it didn’t work and now everybody wants on her team,” suggested another.
“Last year, the WNBA front-loaded the Fever’s schedule with a lot of games and top opponents to get Caitlin Clark in front of as many eyeballs as possible.With CC & the Fever being established as a major draw and the league taking off, not as much need to front-load the docket, implored another.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
According to Yahoo Sports, the condensed schedule resulted from the 2024 Paris Olympics, which eliminated 12 in the regular season. However, it is worth noting that Clark was welcomed to the league with a guarantee.
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The report also pointed out that the Fever were the only team in the league that had to play the three top MVP candidates from the previous year in the opening two weeks.
Even with the tough slate, Clark led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016. With some more time to prepare for the season and a year of experience under her belt, Clark is expected to help the team make a title push in 2025.
She and the Fever open the regular season on May 17 against the Chicago Sky.
Related: Caitlin Clark Didn’t Hold Back on Strict Augusta National Rule
