In a baffling decision, the WNBA chose to let Caitlyn Clark know she was Rookie of the Year with a phone call in Connecticut during a practice before a playoff game. You can’t make this up: imagine a league where its most electrifying player gets a call for one of its most prestigious awards—no ceremony, no fanfare, just a phone call and a trophy sent in the mail. This is the reality for Caitlyn Clark in the WNBA, a slap in the face to a generational talent.

But it’s just the tip of the iceberg in a series of embarrassing missteps all caught on national TV. The WNBA leadership seemed content to watch from the sidelines while Clark set arenas ablaze. The contrast between her electric performances and the league’s lukewarm embrace sets the stage for even more blunders.

During a conversation with WNBA commissioner Kathy Engelbert, the commissioner remarked on Clark’s record-breaking season, acknowledging the achievements but failing to highlight Clark’s unique contributions adequately. “What a record-breaking season for you and the entire team,” Engelbert stated. But instead of focusing on Clark, she failed to capitalize on the moment to uplift the league’s brightest talent.

Caitlyn Clark’s debut season was a basketball symphony. She shattered 62 records, captivated thousands in arenas, and left defenders scratching their heads. She made history as the first player to achieve at least 700 points, 300 assists, and 100 three-pointers in a single season—numbers that scream superstar. Yet the WNBA’s response? A phone call, and worse, the commissioner couldn’t even be bothered to show up to deliver the news personally.

This disrespect isn’t just about Clark; it’s about the league failing to recognize a golden opportunity. While Clark lit up the court, the WNBA leadership stumbled in the spotlight. Engelbert stepped onto national TV but instead of championing her league’s brightest talent, she uttered words that left fans and players alike in stunned silence.

In a CNBC appearance, Engelbert spoke about the league sitting “at this intersection of culture and sport and fashion and music,” referring to WNBA players as “cultural icons.” Yet, when asked about player safety and the toxic environment surrounding the league, Engelbert chose to discuss rivalry instead, saying, “You need rivalry. That’s what makes people watch.” Her comments were met with swift backlash from fans and players who felt she prioritized marketing over the very real issues plaguing the league.

Brianna Stewart, one of the WNBA’s most prominent players, voiced her disappointment, stating, “We wish Kathy would have used her platform in a different way.” The sentiment echoed throughout the league as players and fans alike called for leadership that actively condemns negative behavior rather than merely acknowledging rivalry. Engelbert’s missteps continued during a 60 Minutes segment where she seemed to downplay Clark’s contributions, saying, “No league is ever about one player.”

This dismissive attitude towards Clark, a player who had revolutionized the WNBA during her freshman season, left many scratching their heads. It was as if Engelbert was deliberately downplaying the impact of the very star who was breathing new life into the league. The consequences of Engelbert’s management became increasingly apparent as the season progressed. Games not featuring Clark saw a noticeable decline in fan engagement and viewership, widening the gap between the league’s leadership and the players’ needs.

Caitlyn Clark’s playoff debut drew a staggering 1.84 million viewers—figures that would make most professional sports leagues green with envy. Her second playoff game averaged an astounding 2.54 million viewers, with a peak of 3.4 million, shattering records for WNBA playoff viewership. To put this in perspective, Clark’s Game 2 against the Connecticut Sun attracted more viewers than the entire 2023 WNBA Finals combined. The contrast couldn’t be starker: as soon as Clark exited the playoffs, viewership plummeted by 50% in the first semifinal game without her.

This wasn’t just a blip on the radar. The entire 2024 season saw a record number of games crossing the coveted one million viewer mark, with Clark as the common denominator. She wasn’t just playing basketball; she was rewriting the WNBA’s playbook on fan engagement. Merchandise sales skyrocketed, and attendance surged whenever Clark took the court. However, with great power comes great responsibility.

The WNBA now faces the challenge of not just capitalizing on Clark’s popularity but using it as a catalyst to elevate the entire league. This means addressing systemic issues from player safety to fair officiating that threaten to undermine the foundation of the sport. Behind the glitz and glamour of record-breaking viewership lies a darker reality. A shocking statistic emerges: Caitlyn Clark received 17% of all flagrant fouls called in the league, raising serious questions about player protection and officiating consistency.

The issues extend beyond just physical safety. Inconsistent officiating plagues games, leaving players and fans frustrated. One night, the whistle blows for every touch; the next, it’s a no-call free-for-all. This unpredictability affects the flow of the game and puts players at risk of injury when they can’t anticipate how the game will be called. Fan reaction to these problems has been swift and vocal, buzzing with calls for change and better protection for players.

Engelbert’s response has left many scratching their heads. Instead of addressing player safety head-on, she chose to focus on rivalries and viewership. This misalignment of priorities threatens to undermine the league’s foundation. For rising stars like Caitlyn Clark, these issues cast a shadow over their future in the WNBA.

As Caitlyn Clark continues to shine a spotlight on women’s basketball, the league stands at a crossroads. Now is the time to solidify its foundation and address these systemic problems. Improved safety measures and consistent officiating aren’t just player demands; they’re essential for retaining top talent and growing the fan base. The clock is ticking. As other professional sports leagues evolve their safety protocols and officiating standards, the WNBA risks falling behind.

The contrast between the excitement generated by players like Clark and the league’s apparent inaction creates a tension that threatens to boil over. The WNBA must act now or risk losing its greatest asset: the players themselves. The potential for growth is immense, but only if these issues are addressed head-on.