Wayne Gretzky UNLOADS On Caitlin Clark & The WNBA In Viral New Footage — Fans Divided!

Wayne Gretzky — the greatest hockey player of all time — is not someone you’d expect to be trending in WNBA circles. But this week, The Great One sent social media into a frenzy after footage surfaced of him making controversial comments about Caitlin Clark and the state of the WNBA.

The footage, which appears to be from a private Q&A panel, was leaked late Tuesday night and has since gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. In the clip, Gretzky is asked about the rise of women’s sports — specifically Caitlin Clark’s popularity — and doesn’t hold back.

“Look, I respect anyone who’s growing the game,” Gretzky begins. “But let’s not pretend the WNBA is suddenly the NHL or the NBA just because one player showed up and can shoot from the logo.”

The crowd laughs nervously — and Gretzky leans in.

“She’s good, sure. But I’m seeing more talk about her getting hard fouled than actual wins. If we’re gonna celebrate someone, let’s make sure they’re dominating — not just trending.”

Boom. The internet exploded.

Social Media Reactions: Praise, Outrage, and Everything In Between

Within hours, #Gretzky and #CaitlinClark were top trends on social media, with fans and pundits weighing in. Supporters of Caitlin Clark slammed Gretzky for what they called “old head energy,” accusing him of underestimating the difficulty of being a rookie in the WNBA while also carrying the league’s media spotlight.

One user tweeted:

“Imagine being the GOAT of your sport and STILL salty about a 22-year-old woman changing the culture. Sit down, Wayne.”

Others defended Gretzky, saying his comments were less about Clark specifically and more about how quickly the media has elevated her above the game itself.

“He’s not wrong,” another fan posted. “The WNBA is about teams, not one player. Clark has potential, but let her earn it over time.”

The Bigger Conversation: Hype vs. Legacy

While Clark has been heralded as a transformative figure in women’s basketball — with massive jersey sales, packed arenas, and record-breaking viewership numbers — her transition into the WNBA hasn’t been all smooth. The Indiana Fever have struggled out of the gate, and Clark has faced relentless physical defense, criticism, and even questions of favoritism from some corners of the league.

Gretzky’s comments — right or wrong — have reignited the debate: Is the hype too much, too soon?

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in on ESPN First Take Wednesday morning:

“Gretzky doesn’t understand the impact. Caitlin Clark’s presence is doing for the WNBA what he did for hockey in the U.S. This isn’t about championships right now — it’s about eyes, money, and momentum. And she’s delivering.”

Caitlin Clark Responds — With Class

When asked about the viral footage during media availability, Clark remained composed:

“Wayne Gretzky is a legend. I grew up respecting greatness, and I’ll let my game do the talking. I’m just getting started.”

That response only deepened fan admiration for Clark, who continues to handle public pressure with poise beyond her years.

What’s Next?

With the WNBA season heating up, expect the spotlight on Clark — and now Gretzky — to intensify. Whether or not you agree with his take, one thing’s for sure: the crossover appeal of Caitlin Clark has reached even the hockey world.

And that, in itself, says a lot.