Caitlin Clark’s 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award was nothing short of expected—except for one glaring omission. Despite putting together one of the most legendary rookie campaigns in WNBA history, Clark fell just one vote shy of a unanimous win, sparking outrage among fans, analysts, and fellow players. ESPN reporters were among the first to criticize the anonymous voter, calling the decision to deny Clark a unanimous win “unbelievable” and “unjustified.”

Clark entered the WNBA with sky-high expectations after an incredible college career, where she had already solidified herself as one of the greatest basketball players of her generation. Many doubted whether she could continue her dominance at the professional level, but Clark quickly silenced her critics, amassing an array of historic achievements. By midseason, it seemed inevitable that she would win the Rookie of the Year award—and possibly even MVP consideration. But the snub came when one voter chose Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston instead of Clark, preventing her from securing a unanimous victory.

From the moment Clark stepped onto a WNBA court, her impact was undeniable. She averaged 24 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in August alone, earning her the Rookie of the Month honor for the third time and the prestigious Eastern Conference Player of the Month—making her the first rookie in WNBA history to win the award. Her electrifying performances continued, breaking numerous rookie and league-wide records, including Simone Augustus’ rookie scoring record and becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to make 100 three-pointers in just 34 games.

Yet, despite all of Clark’s achievements, certain narratives in the media pushed Angel Reese into the Rookie of the Year conversation, a decision that many believe unfairly overshadowed Clark’s accomplishments. While Reese had an impressive season of her own, particularly setting a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles, Clark’s dominance was indisputable, particularly after the midseason break. Her staggering stats over Indiana’s final 14 games—23.1 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds—further solidified her status as the top rookie in the league.

Fans, reporters, and former players alike have demanded transparency from the WNBA voting process. Unlike the NBA, where votes are not anonymous, the WNBA allows voters to remain unnamed, which has led to growing calls for reform. As ESPN’s analysts pointed out, “If you had that one vote, you should be able to stand by it,” adding that voters should take responsibility for decisions that affect players’ legacies.

While Clark may not have received a unanimous vote, she has unquestionably redefined the WNBA. Her record-breaking performances have brought unprecedented attention to the women’s game, with viewership skyrocketing thanks to her star power. Her debut game alone attracted 2.1 million viewers, breaking ESPN’s WNBA viewership record. Throughout the season, games featuring Clark’s Indiana Fever averaged over 1 million viewers—more than triple the league’s overall average.

Clark’s influence extends far beyond the court. She has transformed the WNBA’s business landscape, driving up merchandise sales, sponsorships, and attendance. In just her rookie season, she has become the face of the league, setting a new standard for what’s possible in women’s basketball.

As fans and analysts continue to call for the anonymous voter’s identity to be revealed, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark has already cemented her place in WNBA history. And while she may have been denied the title of unanimous Rookie of the Year, she has undoubtedly established herself as a transformative player who will likely continue to chase more hardware in the seasons to come.