The WNBA All-Star Game is always a showcase of the league’s brightest talents, but this year, the voting process has sparked a fresh wave of controversy—one that legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale is not willing to let slide. At the center of the debate is Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, whose meteoric rise and unprecedented impact on women’s basketball have made her both a fan favorite and a lightning rod for discussion.

Clark’s Record-Breaking Popularity

Caitlin Clark, the 23-year-old guard out of Iowa, was named a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, set to take place at her home arena, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, on July 19. Clark’s selection as captain came as no surprise to anyone following the league this season. She received a staggering 1,293,536 fan votes—the most ever recorded for any player in WNBA history. Her popularity has translated into sold-out arenas, surging television ratings, and a renewed national interest in women’s basketball.

Despite Clark’s overwhelming support from fans and the media, her fellow WNBA players ranked her only the ninth-best guard in the league during the All-Star voting process. This outcome has raised eyebrows and ignited heated conversations about the dynamics within the league.

Dick Vitale’s Outspoken Critique

Dick Vitale, the 86-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his passionate takes on basketball, took to social media to voice his disapproval of the players’ voting results. On July 1, Vitale posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Absolutely PURE JEALOUSY that @WNBA players voted Caitlin Clark the 9th best guard. Some day they will realize what she has done for ALL of the players in the WNBA.”

Vitale’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that Clark’s rapid ascent has been met with resistance from some league veterans. He went on to highlight the tangible benefits Clark has brought to the WNBA, including the league’s recent move to chartered flights for all teams, increased player salaries, and a surge in national media coverage.

The Voting Process Explained

The WNBA All-Star selection process is a weighted system: 50% of the vote comes from fans, 25% from fellow players, and 25% from media members. While Clark dominated both the fan and media ballots, the player vote told a different story. Many believe that some players may feel overshadowed by the attention Clark receives, especially given her rookie status.

Still, the numbers are hard to argue with. Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, despite missing seven games due to injury. Even during a recent shooting slump—she’s gone 1-for-23 from three-point range over her last three games—Clark’s playmaking and leadership have remained vital for the Fever.

Clark’s Impact On and Off the Court

It’s not just Clark’s on-court performance that has made waves. Since her arrival, the WNBA has seen a dramatic increase in ticket sales and television ratings. Merchandise featuring Clark’s name and number is flying off the shelves, and her games often draw sellout crowds, both at home and on the road.

Vitale and others argue that Clark’s presence has helped elevate the entire league. The move to chartered flights for all teams—a long-standing request from players—was implemented this season, with many crediting Clark’s star power and the resulting financial boost as a key factor. Salaries are up, sponsorships are pouring in, and the league’s profile has never been higher.

A Divided Locker Room?

While the league celebrates its newfound popularity, the All-Star voting results suggest a divide among players. Some veterans have expressed frustration with the media’s focus on Clark, arguing that it overshadows the accomplishments of other stars who have been building the league for years. Others feel that Clark’s accolades are well-deserved, given her impact.

Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, who will serve alongside Clark as an All-Star captain, has spoken about the importance of unity within the league. “We all want what’s best for the WNBA,” Collier said. “Caitlin’s bringing in new fans, and that’s good for all of us.”

The All-Star Game: A New Era

As captains, Clark and Collier will select their teams playground-style from a pool of eight other starters: A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Nneka Ogwumike, Clark’s Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston, Allisha Gray, Satou Sabally, and rookie sensation Paige Bueckers.

Clark, who missed the last two games with a groin injury—including a highly anticipated matchup with Bueckers in Dallas—is expected to return for the All-Star festivities. Despite her recent shooting woes, Clark remains confident. Upon learning of her captaincy from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Clark quipped, “We about to get that dub, Cathy.”

Looking Ahead

The debate over Clark’s place in the league is unlikely to fade anytime soon. As the WNBA continues to grow, the tension between established stars and incoming phenoms like Clark may persist. Yet, as Vitale and many fans point out, the league’s current boom is a testament to the power of star appeal and the importance of embracing change.

For now, all eyes are on Indianapolis, where Clark will lead her team in front of a sold-out crowd, hoping to add another chapter to her already remarkable rookie season. Whether her peers will come to appreciate her contributions—or continue to see her as a threat—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark has changed the WNBA, and the league may never be the same.