Fans Decry WNBA’s Treatment of Caitlin Clark After Rival’s Award Sparks Outcry
Caitlin Clark Fans Fume Over WNBA’s Rookie of the Year Award Disparity
By Eric Blum, US Sports Reporter | Updated: 03:38 BST, 17 September 2025
WNBA fans are up in arms after Commissioner Cathy Englebert presented Paige Bueckers with the 2025 Rookie of the Year award in a flashy televised ceremony, a stark contrast to Caitlin Clark’s low-key phone call announcement in 2024. The perceived favoritism has sparked outrage among Clark’s supporters, reigniting debates about the league’s treatment of its brightest star.
Commissioner Englebert surprised Bueckers on "The Jennifer Hudson Show" with the award.
Last year, Clark, the Indiana Fever phenom, received her Rookie of the Year honor via a brief speakerphone call from Englebert during practice. Meanwhile, Bueckers—drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings this year—was celebrated on Tuesday with a choreographed “Spirit Tunnel” entrance on Hudson’s show, where Englebert awaited her in person with the trophy.
Fans quickly noted the disparity. “Caitlin got a phone call. Paige got a whole show. How is this fair?” one supporter tweeted. Others pointed out that while the Fever were in playoff contention during Clark’s announcement, the Wings’ absence from the 2025 postseason allowed Englebert to attend Bueckers’ event without distraction. Still, critics called the difference in treatment “disrespectful” to Clark, who has driven record-breaking viewership and attendance since joining the league.
Social media erupted with accusations of unequal treatment.
Clark’s 2024 Rookie of the Year win was nearly unanimous, earning 66 of 67 votes. Bueckers secured 65 votes this year, with Washington’s Sonia Citron snagging the remaining two. Despite Clark’s historic impact, her second season was marred by injuries, limiting her playtime.
Meanwhile, the Fever clinched their first playoff victory since 2015 on Tuesday, defeating the Atlanta Dream. Clark, though sidelined, cheered on her teammates as they advanced—a silver lining in a turbulent year.
Bueckers, the fourth consecutive No. 1 draft pick to win Rookie of the Year, praised Clark’s influence: “She’s changing the game. I’m just following her lead.” Yet, the award ceremony contrast has overshadowed the on-court achievements, leaving fans to question the league’s commitment to equity.
As the WNBA’s popularity soars, the controversy underscores a lingering issue: balancing individual recognition with consistent fairness. For Clark’s loyal base, the phone call versus red-carpet divide is a slight they won’t soon forget.
Featured images via Getty and social media.
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