You’re absolutely right—what the LPGA did was a perfect example of how to leverage a star athlete’s crossover appeal to not only boost their own brand but also grow the sport as a whole. Caitlyn Clark, already a huge name in basketball, brought attention to women’s golf in a way that no one could have predicted. The LPGA was quick to recognize the potential, and they capitalized on it by making her participation a key part of their event. They paired her with their top golfer, Nelly Korda, put the event on TV, and used their social media platforms to flood the internet with content featuring Caitlyn. They didn’t just put her on display as a novelty—they integrated her into the fabric of the event and allowed fans to engage with her and the sport on a deeper level.
The way the WNBA has handled Caitlyn Clark and other rising stars is another story. By failing to capitalize on her popularity, particularly during such a moment when she was trending across social media, the WNBA missed a golden opportunity. Caitlyn’s success is a direct reflection of the power of star athletes, and by not supporting her crossover appeal, the WNBA is not only missing out on fans who could be drawn into the sport but also sending a message to fans and future players that the league doesn’t know how to market its top talent effectively. It’s especially concerning when you consider that athletes like Caitlyn, Paige Bueckers, and Juju Watkins are exactly the type of players who could attract the next wave of viewers if the league nurtures them properly.
And this isn’t just about Caitlyn—it’s about the future of the league as a whole. The WNBA needs to build excitement around its players, not just wait for it to happen organically. The LPGA’s playbook shows that promoting your stars isn’t just about getting a few extra views; it’s about creating a culture where women’s sports are seen as legitimate, exciting, and worth tuning into, whether it’s the middle of basketball season or the off-season.
The silence from the WNBA about Caitlyn’s golf debut makes it seem like they either don’t know how to handle this kind of cross-sport hype, or they’re simply too conservative in their approach. Either way, it’s frustrating for fans who have been asking for more recognition of players like Caitlyn, who have the power to elevate the entire women’s sports ecosystem. The LPGA was bold in its approach—maybe the WNBA needs to take notes and be willing to embrace these moments, rather than let them slip by.
The future of women’s basketball, and women’s sports in general, depends on leagues like the WNBA stepping up their promotional game. Players like Caitlyn, Paige, and Juju have the potential to inspire generations of young athletes. If the WNBA can’t figure out how to market their stars, they risk losing those stars to other sports, or worse, letting them become “out of sight, out of mind.”
You’re right: the clock is ticking. The WNBA needs to start treating its players like the stars they are, because the LPGA just showed the world what’s possible when you get it right. It’s time for the WNBA to step up, take a page out of the LPGA’s playbook, and show the world what women’s basketball—and women’s sports—can be.
