BELLEAIR, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark speaks at a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the Pro Am for The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on November 12, 2025, at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: NOV 12 LPGA, Golf Damen The ANNIKA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251112110
BELLEAIR, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark speaks at a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz during the Pro Am for The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on November 12, 2025, at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: NOV 12 LPGA, Golf Damen The ANNIKA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251112110
Caitlin Clark continues to dominate television screens, proving her star power is undeniable. Former athlete Riley Gaines is speaking out about the treatment the rookie receives on the court.
The July 8 game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks led to a record-breaking viewership. That game averaged 1.04 million viewers on USA Network, becoming USA Sports' most-watched WNBA broadcast ever. This is a 149% increase compared to the 2025 regular-season cable average.
Gaines made an appearance on Fox News Channel's "The Big Weekend Show" on July 13, 2026. During the segment, she said, "She (Clark) was the queen of the WNBA before she ever stepped foot on a WNBA court."
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) poses for a photo Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The Big Weekend Show's official X account shared the video clip featuring this quote from Gaines. She argued that Clark had already cemented her status as the biggest star during her Iowa career, long before she even entered the WNBA.
She argued that the rookie's success comes from pure talent, her college dominance, record-breaking performances, and a cultural impact. Furthermore, Gaines suggested that jealousy from others has likely led to much of the criticism aimed at the young star.
Gaines pointed to the physical play, intentional hard fouls, inconsistent officiating, and the negative media narratives that attempt to dismiss Clark's accomplishments.
She believes that the league must do a much better job of protecting its biggest star, because Clark has helped grow the WNBA to new heights.
Clark's influence is still leading to debate across the WNBA
Clark's overall impact on the WNBA has been the main reason behind television ratings, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Her presence guarantees sold-out arenas and consistent mainstream media attention. This popularity has benefited the league financially.
Despite this, several examples claim that Clark has faced unusual treatment during games. Viewers point out the physical fouls and incidents where many believed officials failed to call obvious physical contact. The Alyssa Thomas incident remains a key part of this debate
Adding to this, the WNBA 30th Anniversary poster debate also made this narrative stronger. Many viewed Clark's absence from the poster as an intentional snub by the league itself.
However, reported explanations suggested that strict licensing and image-rights agreements may have played a role in her exclusion.
There is no denying Clark's league-wide financial impact, especially with the new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement brought much higher player salaries across the entire board.
According to the People website, Clark's own salary jumped from $85,000 to around $528,000 under the brand-new structure.
How should modern sports leagues balance financial growth with physical player safety?
Read more at Her Sports Nation!
Written by
Utsav Sinha
Edited by
Utsav Sinha