ESPN’s WNBA coverage has often been at the center of criticism, especially regarding the treatment Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark received. Recently, ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike came under fire from WNBA fans while analyzing Clark’s performance.

Following Indiana’s win over the Atlanta Dream 95-91 on Sunday, August 16, Ogwumike led a segment, announcing Clark as Conference Player of the Week. She analyzed Clark’s moves and praised her for improving “each and every year.”

However, fans did not buy it, with one fan criticizing ESPN and suggesting that “someone must have sent down a memo about ratings.”

During the segment posted on X on August 19 by espnW, Ogwumike pointed out that the number of mid-range shots Clark scored this season were already more than her first two seasons combined.

She also gave the WNBA star props for improving her reads and performing better assists, adding that Clark posted a massive 40.5 PPG on scores/assists in that game.

“This is what I call, good to great. She is so great that all eyes are at her. She doesn’t settle for the three, she instead is gonna find her teammates and keep them involved,” Ogwumike said, per the espnW X post on August 19.

But many fans felt like Ogwumike was being forced to read from a prepared script by ESPN and was praising Clark simply to rake in more views.

This is not the first time Clark’s fans have called out ESPN. The network has historically downplayed Clark's achievements and focused more on her weaknesses. 

Furthermore, when ESPN released its WNBA power rankings ahead of the 2026 season, fans noted that the list ranked Clark 10th despite the Indiana player winning Rookie of the Year in 2024 and finishing fifth in the MVP run that season.

ESPN was also accused of sidelining Caitlin Clark during promotional videos, most notably a WNBA documentary released in July. 

These past instances are what made fans refuse to believe the praise ESPN was showering upon Clark. And they did not hesitate to say exactly what they thought.

Fans call out ESPN hypocrisy following Ogwumike’s segment on Clark

Fans took to the comments section of the espnW X post to express their thoughts on the matter. One supporter pointed out that the moves Ogwumike praised as improvements were things Clark has been doing since her rookie season.

“Same Old G, she been doing this since her rookie season #Caitlinclark Where you guys been?” they wrote.

Another fan used a clip of Homelander trying to fly and failing and suggested that ESPN was now trying to cruise on Clark’s popularity.

“Oh, now you want to give CC props, lol—espnW without Caitlin Clark. Someone must have sent down a memo about ratings,” they mocked.

One commenter kept it short and sweet, and directly addressed Ogwumike.

“MVP level chiney. Dont downplay her [Clark],” they wrote.

Others mentioned that the entire thing looked fake, suggesting that ESPN analysts had an agenda against Clark and were being forced to compliment her just for the ratings.

“If you look closely at her [Ogwumike’s] eyes, she's blinking morse code while speaking. She's blinking, ‘Please help! My family is being held hostage and I'm being forced to say nice things about Caitlin Clark even though I hate her!’ Meanwhile, Monica Mcnutt tries to open window shades,” the fan wrote.

Others were more blunt in their responses. While some mocked ESPN for finally being “allowed” to praise the Fever guard, others joked that Ogwumike seemed to be having trouble reading from the teleprompter.

“We know this not yall talking.. yall been hating on her since she got in the league..!! Tryin save face,” one such fan commented.

It seems that while Clark’s fans definitely wanted to see their favorite WNBA star get the acknowledgement she deserved, they did not believe in ESPN’s sudden change in attitude.

They believed the praises to be fueled by viewership concerns rather than genuine appreciation for Clark's talent.

Do you think Ogwumike’s praise of Caitlin Clark deserved criticism from fans? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit