The sports world is watching how the WNBA treats Caitlin Clark, but some wonder if the league understands the value it holds. Stephen A. Smith took to X on June 25 to share his frustration. 

He posted a video clip from The Stephen A. Smith Show on SiriusXM. In the broadcast, Smith criticized the WNBA for its handling of Clark. He also issued a firm warning to the league about ignoring her impact on the sport.

"Ride the wave, or get left behind!" This was the caption Smith used while sharing the video on June 25, 2026. Those words summed up his entire stance on the current state.

Rather than making it a personal issue, Smith approached the entire situation from a business and growth perspective. 

In the clip, Smith built his argument around facts. He pointed out that "folks can't stop talking about Caitlin Clark" and repeatedly questioned the league, "Don't you want to make money?" 

Since Clark entered the professional ranks in 2024, the WNBA has seen huge attendance growth. The league is also experiencing growth in television ratings, higher ticket prices, and a spike in overall merchandise sales. 

He noted that her massive success benefits everyone connected to the game. Smith made a comparison involving Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. He explained that established stars like Johnson and Bird adapted when Jordan arrived on the scene. 

They understood the bigger picture. Smith then advised current players to beat Clark by playing basketball rather than using cheap tactics.

However, a series of physical plays and debated decisions led to his viral rant. The on-court tension has pushed everyone, including fans, to ask questions about how the league treats its superstar. 

Why the Recent Treatment of Clark Led to Criticism

The immediate reaction of Smith was to the June 24 game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury. During the game, aggressive physical play involving Clark became a talking point. 

During a scramble on the floor, Thomas made contact with Clark's throat and neck area. No foul was called on the floor. According to an update from @WNBAComms on X, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant Foul 2 and suspended Thomas for one game. 

Head coach Stephanie White has been publicly criticizing the officiating after the game. She expressed concern that Clark is not officiated the same way as other players on the court.

She described on-court incidents as "dangerous," "egregious," and completely "unacceptable." 

Recently, the WNBA faced backlash for releasing a 30th-anniversary promotional poster that excluded Clark. Critics viewed this marketing choice as another example of the league failing to fully promote its most influential star. 

Is it just the outside noise and pressure on the league, or is a clear line being crossed?

Read more at Her Sports Nation! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi