WNBA Names Caitlin Clark Player of the Year After Season of Abuse [WATCH]

Caitlin Clark has officially been named WNBA Player of the Year, a title that comes after a season filled with controversy, physical targeting, and mounting criticism of the league’s treatment of its most prominent star, as reported by Joe Hoft.

The ESPY’s @WNBA Player of the Year

congrats, Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/x1ch6l9c2y

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 17, 2025

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Clark, the all-time NCAA scoring leader and one of the most prolific playmakers in women’s basketball history, entered the WNBA with massive expectations and a fan base unlike any the league had seen.

Here is a cleaner video of Caitlin going bananas. Just insane. pic.twitter.com/TJom6tG5fa

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 14, 2025

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Her arrival sparked a surge in television ratings and ticket sales, but also brought heightened tensions on the court.

Throughout her WNBA rookie season, Clark endured repeated instances of aggressive physical play, with opponents targeting her during games, sometimes without consequence.

One high-profile incident involved Clark being poked in the eye, shoved, and knocked to the ground during a game. In that sequence, not only were multiple fouls committed against Clark, but she was also issued a foul herself.

Umm this angle is pic.twitter.com/tyMSWooUir

— Jess (@FeverBandwagon) June 18, 2025

The league’s officiating and disciplinary decisions have been questioned repeatedly by fans and commentators, particularly regarding what many see as inconsistent enforcement of rules when it comes to Clark.

In her final game before the All-Star break, Clark reportedly exchanged words with an official, who allegedly made an inappropriate remark toward her. The league has not publicly addressed the incident.

I gotta know what this ref said, because Caitlin Clark flipped a switch real quick…

She was pissed. pic.twitter.com/APFkAe1q9d

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 16, 2025

Clark, 22, has battled injuries during the season—missing ten games due to a left quad strain and later a left groin injury. Before entering the WNBA, Clark had never missed a game due to injury, including her time at the University of Iowa.

The physical toll of the season and her absence had a noticeable impact on league viewership. According to data released during her time off, the WNBA experienced a sharp decline in audience numbers—nearly a 50% drop—while Clark was sidelined.

In a controversial decision earlier this year, Clark was left off the 2024 Olympic roster despite being the league’s leading vote-getter for the All-Star game.

The move drew backlash, particularly toward Olympic Committee members and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. Clark later responded during the All-Star draft by trading Reeve, her All-Star coach, to the opposing team.

TRADE ALERT

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have decided to trade COACHES!

That means Cheryl Reeve will now coach Team Collier and Sandy Brondello will lead Team Clark

2025 @ATT WNBA All-Star pic.twitter.com/LtcZs273SY

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 8, 2025

Despite the challenges, Clark has continued to draw national attention. She remains the league’s top ticket-seller and has been credited with carrying the WNBA’s financial momentum.

But her performance this season—highlighted by historic scoring runs and record-setting assist totals—has not come without cost.

As Clark recovers from her latest injury and faces uncertainty around participation in the upcoming All-Star game, fans and critics alike are raising concerns over the league’s ability—or willingness—to protect its marquee player.

Caitlin Clark Takes a beating out on the floor, Do you think it’s because she is White or because she is better than they are? pic.twitter.com/6cJsRBQ1m6

— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) May 29, 2025

While the Player of the Year award may be a recognition of her accomplishments, many argue it comes after months of neglect and mistreatment.

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