Caitlin Clark credits Black players for building WNBA while acknowledging her privilege

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has become a driving force in elevating the WNBA’s popularity to unprecedented heights, but she remains deeply aware of the legacy and contributions of the Black stars who laid the foundation for the league.

In an interview with Time, as part of her recognition as the magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year, Clark reflected on her place in the WNBA’s history and the importance of honoring its roots. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark acknowledged.

“A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.” She emphasized the need for intentional recognition and investment in these athletes.

The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”

Clark’s comments underscore her commitment to fostering equity and amplifying the voices of the players who have shaped the WNBA’s rich history, ensuring the league’s future reflects the diversity and excellence of its nast

Caitlin Clark’s comments on her white privilege reflect an understanding of the unearned advantages that white people can hold in society, particularly in the context of sports. As defined by Learning for Justice, white privilege is the inherent benefits and advantages that come from historic and ongoing racism and biases.

Clark’s acknowledgment of this privilege speaks to her awareness of the racial dynamics in the WNBA, especially as her rise coincided with heightened attention toward her—attention that some argue has overshadowed the accomplishments of established Black players. The issue of race became a point of discussion during Clark’s Rookie of the Year campaign, with some critics noting her rapid popularity and the comparisons drawn between her and established stars like Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.

Tensions also arose with the physicality of Clark’s play, as she took flagrant fouls on the court, which further fueled the conversation. A’ja Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP with the Las Vegas Aces, addressed the impact Clark’s rise had on veteran players. In an interview with Marie Claire in May, Wilson explained the emotional toll of being overshadowed by Clark’s meteoric rise.

“I felt like I was mentally tired in that whole whirlwind of people constantly saying, ‘A’ja, you’re only known because of Caitlin; we’re only here because of Caitlin,”” Wilson shared. “And that’s great, I get that, but while you’re here I’m not going to let you discredit me or the work that I’ve done, or my teammates or the people who came before have done.”

Wilson’s comments highlight the underlying tension about the visibility of Black stars in women’s sports and the need to recognize and honor the work of players who have long been the backbone of the WNBA. A’ja Wilson has been outspoken about how race plays a significant role in Caitlin Clark’s rise to fame, noting that Clark’s popularity may be linked to her being a white player in a league that has historically been dominated by Black stars.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Wilson expressed that Clark’s race is “a huge thing” when it comes to her widespread attention, emphasizing that while some may claim race isn’t a factor, to her, it undeniably is.

“I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and white, but to me, it is,” Wilson said. “It really is because you can be top notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see.

They don’t see it as marketable, so it doesn’t matter how hard I work. It doesn’t matter what we all do as Black women, we’re still going to be swept underneath the rug. That’s why it boils my blood when people say it’s not about race because it 1s.

Wilson’s comments touch on a broader issue in sports: the unequal visibility and recognition for Black athletes, despite their groundbreaking achievements. Figures like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Cynthia Cooper, and Maya Moore were instrumental in establishing the WNBA as the premier women’s basketball league, yet Black athletes continue to face challenges in gaining the same level of marketability and support as their white counterparts.

Clark, however, doesn’t believe that any physical fouls directed at her were tied to her popularity or race. In her interview with Time, Clark shared that she never felt “targeted” by Black players and acknowledged the physical nature of the game. “Obviously, that shouldn’t ever happen within a game.

But basketball is physical. Your emotions can get the best of you. My emotions have gotten the best of me many times.” she said. Clark also emphasized her reluctance to fuel any race-related controversies or rivalries.

“A lot of people that wanted to have opinions on what was happening probably didn’t even watch half the games that they were trying to have a take on and hadn’t supported the W for a really long time, ” she noted, pointing out that many critics lacked a deeper understanding of the league or the game itself.

These comments highlight the complex intersection of race, media attention, and player dynamics within the WNBA, underscoring the challenges and inequalities that remain in the landscape of women’s sports.