A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese CHOSEN over Caitlin Clark by WNBA Players Union for Merchandise Rollout!
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On Thursday, the WNBPA announced via social media its new partnership with FM Cases. The campaign highlighted eight WNBA stars, each with their own custom-designed phone case. The list included Las Vegas Aces forward and two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, and Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink.
Notably absent from the collection: Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, NCAA all-time leading scorer, and the driving force behind record-breaking WNBA attendance and TV ratings this season.
The Fan Reaction: “Baffling” and “Terrible Business”
For many fans and analysts, the omission is more than a minor oversight—it’s a business blunder of epic proportions. “If you were going to market a product and the WNBA was going to be officially involved, would Caitlin Clark not be the number one overall draft pick that you would have?” asked one incredulous commentator on the Black and White Sports YouTube channel. “This is failed business 101 at the highest level.”
The numbers back up the argument. Clark’s presence has sent WNBA viewership and arena attendance to all-time highs. Her games routinely draw over a million TV viewers, with some matchups nearing two million—a figure previously unheard of for regular-season women’s basketball. In comparison, other games without Clark often draw a fraction of that audience.
“Caitlin Clark is bringing them in in droves and lined up to come in the door,” the host continued. “You cannot tell me there is not underlying jealousy and pettiness that was involved in this kind of decision.”
Why Was Clark Left Out?
The WNBPA has yet to provide a clear explanation for Clark’s exclusion. Some fans have speculated that Clark may have turned down the opportunity, perhaps due to scheduling conflicts or contractual obligations elsewhere. Others wonder if the decision reflects internal politics, jealousy among players, or a desire to promote a broader range of stars rather than centering the league’s marketing around one player.
Still, the optics are hard to ignore. As the Black and White Sports host put it, “This would be like the NBA fighting against Magic [Johnson], fighting against Bird, and fighting against Jordan—literally fighting against them with the entire league’s might.”
The merchandise rollout also features some curious inclusions and omissions. Paige Bueckers, for example, is still in college and has yet to play a WNBA game, while Cameron Brink is out with injury. Meanwhile, Clark, who is leading the rookie class and has single-handedly boosted the league’s national profile, is nowhere to be found.
The Bigger Picture: WNBA’s Marketing Dilemma
The controversy speaks to a larger challenge facing the WNBA. For years, the league has struggled to break through to mainstream sports fans, often citing a lack of media coverage and marketing support. Now, with Clark’s arrival generating unprecedented buzz, the league and its union appear hesitant to put all their eggs in one basket.
Is this a smart long-term strategy, or a missed opportunity? Some argue that the league should seize the moment and ride Clark’s wave of popularity, much like the NBA did with Michael Jordan in the 1980s and ’90s. Others believe it’s important to build a diverse roster of marketable stars, especially as the WNBA seeks to grow its fan base and secure new media rights deals.
But for many, the answer is simple: “Our entire existence from a revenue standpoint, turning a profit, and any future media rights deals hinges on that six-foot guard out of Iowa,” the YouTube host said. “Sorry, nobody else.”
The Players’ Perspective
The WNBPA’s decision also raises questions about the dynamics within the league. Is there resentment toward Clark for the attention she receives? Are veteran stars wary of being overshadowed by a rookie? Or is this simply a case of the union wanting to showcase a broader array of talent?
Angel Reese, for her part, has leaned into her own viral fame, trademarking the term “MeiBounds” and embracing both fans and trolls. A’ja Wilson continues to dominate on the court and remains a fan favorite. But neither player, nor any other in the league, has matched Clark’s impact on ticket sales, TV ratings, or national conversation this season.
What’s Next?
As the WNBA season heats up, all eyes will be on how the league and its players’ union handle the Clark conundrum. Will they find a way to bring her into future merchandise campaigns? Will Clark herself address the situation publicly? And perhaps most importantly, will the WNBA fully embrace its biggest star—or risk squandering the momentum she’s brought to the game?
For now, the debate rages on. One thing is clear: in a league that has often struggled for mainstream relevance, the decision to sideline Caitlin Clark from a major merchandise rollout is a gamble—and one that fans and business analysts alike will be watching closely.
