Caitlin Clark's presence in the league has a positive impact on revenue growth and media attention. Yet, a debate continues to evolve over how the league protects its biggest modern star. 

Dave Portnoy joined The Will Cain Show on June 29, 2026. Portnoy believes the league's new luxuries are tied to one person. "Well, it's the worst marketed league in the history of leagues," Portnoy added during the interview. He followed that up by adding, "They're absolute m*****."

Portnoy then said, "They just don’t want to accept how important she is. The only reason they are flying private is because of her.”

The video clip was shared on X by @WillCainShow, showing the Barstool Sports founder blaming the league's front office.

Portnoy credits Clark's revenue surge with enabling the league's new CBA. A deal that includes the charter-flight upgrade.

The upgrade to full-time charter flights costs the league around $25 million per year. Before Clark arrived, teams traveled on commercial flights, and they had to deal with long security lines and poor recovery time between games. 

Portnoy argues that the revenue from ticket sales, television ratings, and merchandise driven by Clark is what made this luxury affordable for the entire league.

Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham stated that Clark faces intense physical targeting every single night. Cunningham noted that the referees have done very little to stop the cheap shots. 

Fever head coach Stephanie White also voiced her displeasure, calling the missed whistle on the throat contact "egregious and utterly disrespectful." White explained that Clark is not officiated the same way as other players in the league. 

Portnoy also accused the WNBA of feeling jealous and failing to market their biggest star. This sentiment has grown because Clark was excluded from the 30th-anniversary promotional posters. 

Despite the off-court drama and intense physical defense, Clark continues to produce numbers on the court.

Caitlin Clark Backs up the Noise with a Strong 2026 Season

According to official statistics from Basketball Reference, Clark is averaging 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. She is shooting 43.0% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the three-point arc. 

While she missed a few games due to a lingering back injury, she remains the premier playmaker in the league. The Indiana Fever currently holds an 11-8 record, placing them 3rd in the Eastern Conference. 

Portnoy’s core argument highlights a financial reality. Clark’s immense popularity has been the main reason behind the packed arenas, record-breaking television contracts, and merchandise sales that keep the league profitable. 

While her supporters believe the WNBA should do everything possible to protect and celebrate its biggest asset, critics argue that the physical play is just a standard part of professional basketball. 

What are your thoughts on how the league handles its rising revenue and star players?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha