Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie season, which rewrote WNBA records, has left many stunned that she was denied a unanimous Rookie of the Year title. Shannon Sharpe, in particular, didn’t hold back his outrage after Clark’s remarkable season was overshadowed by media narratives pushing Angel Reese into the conversation.
Clark, already a college basketball legend, seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA, where she quickly lived up to the hype and shattered expectations. Her dominance on the court, including leading her team to the playoffs, broke records and captivated fans, with some even suggesting she belonged in MVP discussions. Despite all of this, one lone vote kept her from making history as the WNBA’s fifth-ever unanimous Rookie of the Year.
Sharpe pointed out that Clark’s massive impact on the league couldn’t be ignored. From leading her team to their first playoff appearance since 2016 to becoming the WNBA’s assist leader and breaking the rookie scoring record, Clark’s stats were undeniable. Yet, despite her contributions, media members and former players seemed determined to elevate Angel Reese’s achievements, prompting criticism that personal biases were at play in the voting.
Not only did Clark shine statistically, but her impact on the league’s popularity was extraordinary. The WNBA saw record TV ratings when she was on the court, with her playoff games drawing more than double the viewers compared to games without her. This season, Clark led the Indiana Fever to the highest TV ratings in the WNBA, helping push the league to new levels of visibility and success.
Sharpe made it clear: “When Clark got eliminated from the playoffs, the attendance dropped, and so did the ratings.” For him, it’s hard to ignore the bias that led to the snub, as Clark has brought more attention, revenue, and excitement to the WNBA than anyone else in years.
Sharpe’s frustration is rooted in a broader issue in sports media—downplaying one player’s greatness to uplift another. He argued that Clark deserved her unanimous title for all she’s done to elevate the WNBA, noting that it’s possible to praise Angel Reese’s achievements without diminishing Caitlin Clark’s impact.
In just one year, Clark has transformed the WNBA, setting new records both on and off the court. With increased sponsorships, viewership, and merchandise sales, her influence has forever changed the landscape of women’s basketball. Despite the snub, it’s clear Caitlin Clark is poised to continue rewriting history and cement her place as one of the game’s all-time greats. Sharpe’s anger isn’t just about a lost vote—it’s about recognizing the profound legacy Clark is already building.
