Every sport has its game-changing star—those rare athletes who elevate the entire league and leave an indelible mark on their sport. In swimming, it was Michael Phelps; in boxing, Muhammad Ali; in baseball, Babe Ruth. For women’s MMA, Ronda Rousey was the face, while Serena Williams dominated tennis. In basketball, when the NBA was struggling, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revitalized the league, followed by Michael Jordan, who propelled it to global dominance.

The same generational talent now emerges in the WNBA in the form of Caitlin Clark, a name already synonymous with unprecedented skill and impact. Clark, much like those legends before her, has transformed the WNBA, drawing attention and bringing much-needed excitement to a league that has struggled to gain mainstream traction for years. However, much like past fumbles in sports—where contracts were rejected or opportunities were missed—the WNBA seems dangerously close to mishandling their most valuable player.

The WNBA has faced challenges for decades, constantly grappling with financial struggles and fan engagement. Despite years of effort, the league continued to lose millions of dollars annually. Then came Caitlin Clark, who immediately altered the landscape. With her magnetic presence on the court, Clark has become the most significant player in the WNBA’s history, igniting fan interest like never before. But oddly, the league appears to be mishandling their golden opportunity.

Despite being widely regarded as the best collegiate player in women’s basketball history, Caitlin Clark has faced hurdles within the WNBA. As her historic rookie season came to a close, fans eagerly awaited her recognition. Yet, the league continued to delay her acknowledgment. First, the MVP award was announced, which went to A’ja Wilson. Then came a series of other awards—Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, an announcement, and even a sportsmanship award—all before Clark’s highly anticipated Rookie of the Year announcement.

When the WNBA finally named Caitlin Clark as Rookie of the Year, it came with a puzzling twist: she wasn’t a unanimous pick. Despite leading her team to the playoffs and breaking numerous records, one vote went to Angel Reese. This decision left fans questioning the league’s judgment, as Clark’s statistics far outshined those of her peers in nearly every category. From points per game to assists and steals, Clark was on another level. The lone vote against her felt like an unnecessary slight to a player who had done nothing but elevate the league.

Many are now left wondering if the WNBA fully understands the value of Caitlin Clark. Fans online have voiced their frustration, criticizing the league for overlooking the star who single-handedly brought in record viewership during her first playoff series. Clark’s games drew over 1.8 million viewers, numbers that eclipsed the ratings for previous WNBA Finals. It’s clear that Clark is the catalyst for the league’s newfound attention, but the WNBA’s treatment of her raises concerns.

If the league continues to mishandle this relationship, they risk losing Clark to other opportunities. Other players, like Gabby Williams and Elizabeth Cambage, have left the WNBA to pursue international careers. Could Caitlin Clark follow suit? With ongoing physical targeting during games, verbal assaults off the court, and a lack of proper recognition from the league, it’s not hard to imagine her considering other options.

Caitlin Clark’s influence goes far beyond her individual performances; she represents the future of the WNBA. Her deep three-pointers, her unmatched court vision, and her ability to transform any game she plays in make her an asset the league cannot afford to lose. Yet, the WNBA appears to be on the verge of making one of the biggest mistakes in its history.

If the WNBA allows Caitlin Clark to slip away, it would be a monumental loss, potentially setting the league back just as it seemed poised for growth. Like other athletes who felt undervalued by their organizations, Clark could decide to take her talents elsewhere. And if that happens, the WNBA might find itself asking what could have been.

In business, when you have a golden egg, you protect it. Caitlin Clark is that golden egg for the WNBA, and they need to act before it’s too late.