The Hypocrisy Surrounding the WNBA and the Caitlin Clark-Brittney Griner Incident: A Case of Uncomfortable Realities

The sports world has been rocked recently by an incident that encapsulates the inner struggles of the WNBA — a league teetering between finding its place in mainstream sports and facing the deep-seated resentment that comes with its sudden surge in popularity. At the heart of this controversy lies the clash between two major figures in women’s basketball: Caitlin Clark, the young phenom whose meteoric rise has elevated the WNBA to new heights, and Brittney Griner, the WNBA veteran, who after a tumultuous stint in a Russian prison, is now making waves for all the wrong reasons.

The back-and-forth between Griner and Clark has captured attention for the wrong reasons, putting a spotlight on what some view as an uncomfortable yet telling reflection of broader tensions within the sport. As the WNBA is wrestling with newfound fame, some of its stars are showing signs of frustration and resentment. But what exactly is going on beneath the surface, and why does this clash between Griner and Clark matter more than just a personal feud?

The Rise of Caitlin Clark and the Surge in WNBA Popularity

Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA cannot be overstated. As a dynamic player capable of changing the narrative around women’s basketball, Clark has single-handedly drawn fans back into the league. Her undeniable talent and marketability have skyrocketed her into stardom, and the numbers back this up.

In the 2023 season, games featuring Clark have averaged a staggering 1.178 million viewers, while games that did not feature her drew just a fraction of that number — a paltry 394,000 viewers. The gap, a staggering 199%, shows the gravitational pull Clark has on the WNBA’s viewership. Games in which Clark plays draw three times more viewers than games without her — an economic windfall for a league that has long struggled with inconsistent attendance and media exposure.

Clark’s game against the Indiana Fever at the start of the season set a new record for the WNBA, with 2.7 million viewers on ABC — the most-watched WNBA game on ESPN platforms ever. Her ability to not only perform at the highest level but also to draw viewers and sell merchandise — sales have increased by 450% according to Fanatics — has positioned her as the golden goose of the WNBA.

Brittney Griner’s Resentment and the Hypocrisy of the WNBA

Amid this newfound prosperity, however, is a sense of resentment from certain players, and perhaps even some executives, who feel threatened by the rise of Clark. Enter Brittney Griner, who, despite her remarkable journey from a Russian prison to back on the court, has not been shy about expressing dissatisfaction with the WNBA’s evolving dynamics.

Griner’s comments about Clark and the WNBA’s growing fanbase are revealing. She has openly complained about the heightened attention Clark has drawn, stating that the once “chill” and “quiet” nature of WNBA games has become overwhelming due to the presence of large crowds. In a bizarre complaint, Griner lamented that the stands are now filled with loud fans, “yelling crazy,” putting unfair pressure on players like herself. To Griner, the influx of spectators is “toxic,” as though the fans attending games were somehow part of the problem rather than the solution.

This is where the hypocrisy of Griner’s stance becomes clear. Griner, a player who spent months locked in a Russian prison, should arguably be thankful for the opportunity to compete in front of full arenas — something she has been unable to do for a large part of her career due to the WNBA’s historical struggle with attendance. Before Clark’s arrival, the WNBA had battled for relevance, and crowds were often so small that they barely filled a high school gym. Yet now, when the league’s popularity is on the rise, Griner criticizes the increased fan interest and visibility, a position that seems entirely tone-deaf in light of the WNBA’s long struggle for recognition.

A Larger Systemic Issue: Resentment Toward Clark

But it’s not just about Griner’s complaints. The underlying issue speaks to a larger, systemic resentment within the league. Caitlin Clark, a white player, has become the face of the WNBA’s new era — and with that has come backlash from some of her fellow athletes. For years, Black female athletes have carried the weight of the WNBA’s existence, but now a white player has emerged as the league’s shining star. This has exposed uncomfortable realities about race and the historical undervaluing of Black players in the league.

Some players, it seems, resent the attention Clark is receiving, especially when it comes at the expense of their own contributions. Before Clark’s rise, players like Griner were often seen as the league’s stalwarts, carrying the WNBA on their shoulders, but now the narrative is changing. Rather than celebrating the WNBA’s growth and the attention it’s finally receiving, there is an undercurrent of jealousy and frustration. It’s not just about Clark’s success; it’s about what she represents: a new era of women’s basketball that disrupts the status quo.

The Racial Dynamics of the Dispute

This tension reached a boiling point during a heated game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream, where Griner allegedly directed a racial slur at Clark. In footage of the incident, Griner can be seen angrily reacting after fouling out of the game, with some lip readers interpreting her words as “effing white girl.” The clip went viral, and the backlash was swift. While some fans defended Griner, pointing to her frustration after a tough loss, others found the situation troubling, especially given the racial dynamics at play.

The hypocrisy of the situation is hard to ignore. Griner, who was saved by the U.S. government after a harrowing experience in a Russian prison, now appears to be lashing out against the very forces that have brought the WNBA to its most significant moment of growth. Imagine, for a second, if Clark had made a similar statement about Griner. The reaction from the media and the public would have been swift and severe, possibly leading to a swift investigation into her conduct. Yet, when it comes to Griner, there is a tendency to downplay or even excuse her actions, despite the fact that they have escalated to a point where race, privilege, and resentment are at the forefront.

Conclusion: The WNBA’s Growing Pains

The conflict between Caitlin Clark and Brittney Griner is more than just a rivalry between two athletes. It is a reflection of the growing pains the WNBA is experiencing as it navigates newfound fame and success. At its core, the league is grappling with issues of race, marketing, and identity. As Clark continues to break records and draw attention, she represents a new wave of athletes who are changing the face of women’s basketball. However, her success has also exposed the insecurities and resentments that have long simmered beneath the surface of the WNBA.

In the end, the question remains: will the WNBA embrace this new era, or will it continue to sabotage its own success by refusing to acknowledge the transformative power of players like Caitlin Clark? Griner’s criticisms, while valid in their own right, miss the bigger picture. The WNBA is on the cusp of something great, but whether or not it can fully accept the changes happening within it — including Clark’s transformative presence — remains to be seen. The real challenge will be whether the league can rise above its internal divisions and fully capitalize on the potential it has now. Only time will tell.