WNBA’s ‘disdain’ for Caitlin Clark called out by Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith has chimed in on the recent controversy involving Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.

The renowned ESPN analyst did not hold back as he called out the WNBA for the way they’re treating the 24-year-old guard. Smith pointed out how Clark has almost single-handedly transformed the WNBA by bringing in hordes of fans. The veteran sportscaster believes that the league and the players need to show Clark their appreciation.

Smith’s comments stem from Wednesday’s game between the Fever and the Phoenix Mercury. The Fever ruled Clark out in the second half after she had tweaked her back earlier in the game. She fell hard on the floor after being fouled on a three-point attempt.

Clark was involved in a second contentious incident. Mercury star Alyssa Thomas drove her fist into the Fever star’s throat as Clark hit the deck. No foul was called during the play. However, after reviewing the incident, the WNBA issued Thomas a Flagrant 2 foul and a one-game suspension.

The Fever lost the game, 111-109.

Stephen A. Smith slams WNBA for mistreating Caitlin Clark

Smith has had enough. On Thursday’s episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” the popular sports analyst sent out a strong message to the WNBA and its players, reminding them about how Clark has impacted the game immensely.

“You don’t know to ride that wave?” Smith started. “You don’t know to be mindful and cognizant of that reality and go forward from there? … Don’t you want to make money?

“What you don’t do is have such a disdain and a disregard for her that a coach is complaining about intentional harm being aimed in her direction because of the resentment that she fuels.”

Ride the wave, or get left behind! pic.twitter.com/y6fugo7NYj

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 25, 2026

Smith went on to compare Clark to the great Michael Jordan in terms of the Chicago Bulls legend’s “box office appeal.” According to Smith, Clark is “that girl.”

“You ride that wave,” he demanded. “You want to beat Caitlin Clark? Beat her playing basketball. Don’t beat her with roughhouse tactics, compromising her ability to play because if she ain’t playing, it’s going to affect ratings. If it’s affecting ratings, it’s going to affect revenue. If it’s going to affect revenue, then you’re not going to build the sport the way you hope to build the sport.

“That’s the reality. Let’s all grow up and accept it for what it is.”

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