The rise of Caitlin Clark in women’s basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary, yet recent discussions suggest that the WNBA might not be fully embracing her impact.

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has made his stance clear—he believes there’s an agenda against Clark, and he’s not holding back.

Clark’s presence in the league is already creating waves.

Higher television ratings, increased attendance at games, and more mainstream media coverage—these aren’t just coincidences. They are direct results of Clark’s star power.

But as Smith passionately pointed out, these successes don’t come from the league itself; they come from the players who make the game what it is. And in this case, Caitlin Clark is leading that charge.

Clark’s Impact on the WNBA

There’s no denying that Caitlin Clark is one of the most electrifying players to enter the WNBA in years.

Her deep three-pointers, elite ball-handling, and overall basketball IQ have made her must-watch television.

Even before stepping onto a WNBA court, she was already one of the biggest names in basketball, drawing comparisons to legends in both the men’s and women’s game.

Since her arrival in the league, ticket sales have skyrocketed, and national interest in the WNBA has surged. More people are tuning in, and arenas are filling up like never before.

Smith emphasized that this kind of impact isn’t manufactured by the league itself—it’s driven by the players who bring their unique talents and personalities to the court. And in this case, Clark is the primary catalyst for this sudden surge in popularity.

Is There Resistance Against Clark?

Despite her undeniable influence, some believe that Clark isn’t being fully embraced by the league and its players.

Smith’s argument suggests that certain figures within the WNBA may not be thrilled with how much attention Clark is receiving.

Whether it’s jealousy, resistance to change, or an unwillingness to recognize her as the face of the league, there appears to be some pushback.

Clark’s popularity has been met with mixed reactions. While fans are rallying behind her, some within the WNBA community seem hesitant to give her the credit she deserves.

Instead of celebrating her as a generational talent, there’s been talk of trying to “humble” her, making her earn her stripes the hard way.

But as Smith bluntly put it, that kind of resistance isn’t helping the league—it’s holding it back.

The WNBA has long struggled for mainstream recognition, and now that Clark has brought millions of new fans to the sport, the smart move would be to embrace her rather than resist her influence.

The Future of the WNBA with Clark at the Forefront

Whether the WNBA is ready or not, Caitlin Clark is here to stay. Her talent, charisma, and ability to captivate audiences make her the perfect player to push the league into a new era.

Smith’s passionate take on the situation highlights a critical point: success in professional sports comes from players who can draw in fans, create moments, and make the game exciting.

Clark is doing exactly that, and if the WNBA truly wants to grow, they should recognize her as the asset she is.

Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back, and his words reflect the sentiments of many fans who believe that Caitlin Clark deserves more respect.

The numbers don’t lie—Clark is changing the game, and whether the league acknowledges it or not, she’s shaping the future of women’s basketball.

One thing is certain: the WNBA can either embrace this new wave of attention or risk missing out on the biggest opportunity in its history.