The WNBA is experiencing a renaissance. Attendance is up more than 40%, merchandise sales have skyrocketed by 500%, and the league is finally basking in the media spotlight it has long deserved. For the first time in decades, women’s basketball isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. At the center of this transformation stands rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, whose impact on the league has been nothing short of revolutionary.

But as the WNBA enjoys its greatest surge in popularity, a troubling trend is emerging: instead of celebrating the league’s newfound momentum, some players appear to be letting resentment and jealousy overshadow progress.

A League on the Rise—and a Rookie at the Center

Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has been a game-changer. In just a few short months, she’s drawn national attention, sold out arenas, and driven a massive spike in TV ratings. Her presence alone has forced teams to upgrade travel arrangements, with franchises now opting for private charters over commercial flights. Simply put, Clark is the league’s golden goose—a living proof that women’s basketball can be a major business.

Yet, not everyone seems thrilled about the spotlight she brings.

Kelsey Plum’s Controversial Comments

The latest controversy erupted when Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks made headlines during a union-led protest demanding better pay for WNBA players. While the cause itself is just—players currently receive only 9% of league revenue, a stark contrast to the NBA’s 50%—Plum’s approach was divisive. As players wore matching t-shirts in solidarity, Plum took a pointed swipe at Clark’s absence, remarking, “Zero members of Team Clark were present for the protest.”

The backlash was swift. Fans and analysts accused Plum of being “classless,” arguing that her comment targeted the very player who has done the most to put the WNBA in a position to demand better pay. Instead of uniting behind the league’s breakout star, Plum’s words seemed to fracture the image of solidarity that the protest was meant to project.

The Jealousy Factor

Clark’s meteoric rise hasn’t come without challenges. She’s faced tough defenses, hard fouls, and, increasingly, criticism from her peers. But through it all, Clark has remained silent, choosing not to respond publicly to the barbs thrown her way. Many see this as a sign of maturity and class—a rookie refusing to be drawn into off-court drama.

But the bigger issue is what Plum’s comments represent: a growing sense of jealousy and resentment among some veteran players. Instead of embracing the player who has brought unprecedented attention and financial growth to the league, they’re taking shots at her.

It’s a shortsighted move. The WNBA’s recent boom is directly tied to Clark’s arrival. She’s the reason for sold-out games, soaring merchandise sales, and record-breaking TV deals. To undermine her now is to bite the hand that’s feeding the league’s newfound success.

The Economics of Stardom

There’s no denying that WNBA players deserve a bigger piece of the pie. A 9% revenue share is woefully inadequate, especially as the league’s fortunes improve. But the path to better pay runs through increased exposure, higher ratings, and bigger sponsorships—all things that Clark has delivered in spades.

Think of it like this: a struggling band adds a new member, and suddenly they’re playing sold-out arenas instead of local bars. Do you complain that the new member’s songs are getting more airtime, or do you ride the wave and enjoy the upgrade?

Veterans have every right to demand fair treatment. But publicly calling out the rookie who’s fueling the league’s growth risks alienating fans, sponsors, and the next generation of players who look up to Clark as a role model.

A Rocky Debut, But Massive Potential

It’s worth noting that Clark’s first year hasn’t been easy. Injuries and the adjustment to the pro level have made her debut season a challenging one. The Indiana Fever, her team, were recently eliminated from the playoffs after a tough loss to Connecticut. Still, the potential is massive. Many already see Clark as the Michael Jordan of women’s basketball, still in the early chapters of her career.

And yes, Clark is already earning more than most, with over $1 million in endorsements. But that shouldn’t make her a target. If anything, it proves that women’s basketball can be lucrative—and that every player stands to benefit from the doors Clark is opening.

The Risk of Infighting

Perhaps the biggest danger now is that public infighting could derail the league’s momentum. Growth is fragile. The WNBA isn’t out of the woods yet. Sponsors and fans are watching closely, and internal squabbles send the wrong message about unity and professionalism.

This isn’t just about t-shirts or protests. It’s about maturity, perspective, and understanding that sometimes the best way to advance a cause is to support the person leading the charge—even if you didn’t vote for them to be the face of it.

The Path Forward: Unity Over Division

Caitlin Clark didn’t ask to be the WNBA’s golden ticket. But she is. Instead of tearing her down, veterans and newcomers alike should be thanking her—publicly and privately—for helping usher in a new era of opportunity for women’s basketball.

The league’s future depends on its ability to harness this moment, not squander it through jealousy and division. Clark’s impact is proof that women’s sports can break through to the mainstream. But that breakthrough will only last if the league stands together.

Conclusion: A League at a Crossroads

The WNBA is at a crossroads. It can continue to ride the wave of growth fueled by Caitlin Clark and other rising stars, or it can let jealousy and resentment undermine everything it has worked for.

Veteran players deserve respect and better pay. But they also need to recognize the value of unity—and the danger of turning internal frustrations into public potshots.

Clark’s silence in the face of criticism speaks volumes. Now, it’s up to the rest of the league to decide whether to follow her example and move forward together—or let old habits hold them back.

For the WNBA, the choice has never been clearer. The world is watching. And the next move will define the league’s future.