WNBA fans have criticised ION after Caitlin Clark was left out of a promotional graphic for the Indiana Fever’s upcoming game against the Dallas Wings.
The broadcaster instead featured Lexie Hull and Raven Johnson alongside Dallas stars Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, leaving Clark’s supporters questioning the decision.
Clark has become one of the biggest names in the WNBA, while Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston were also left out of the graphic despite their status as major Fever players.
Fans question why Caitlin Clark was left out of WNBA promotion
The decision quickly sparked a wave of reactions online, with some fans accusing the league and its media partners of deliberately overlooking Clark.
‘Your league is a joke. Want to improve it? Fire your entire marketing department/firm. Start promoting your stars, regardless of what the racists say.’
Another fan defended Hull but questioned the decision to leave Clark out.
‘I love Lexi Hull (got her jersey and everything) but why not showcasing Caitlin Clark? The WNBA really does hate its biggest star.’
The criticism continued, with another supporter pointing out the contrast between the players featured.
‘Is this a joke. You are showing Lexie Hull and Raven Johnson, two mid players, but you show Paige. Where is Caitlin who actually brings ratings. Your league is an absolute joke and prove your hate against her daily’.
For some, the graphic was enough to raise bigger questions about the WNBA’s approach to promoting its biggest stars.
‘Is the league intentionally trying to self destruct?’
Another fan questioned the decision from a purely marketing perspective, writing: ‘WNBA is strange why not use the most marketable player in the league to promote a game? Hell, they should probably use CC to advertise for the games she’s not playing in as well.’
The frustration was summed up by one short reaction: ‘So they want no viewers I guess…’
The backlash comes as the Fever prepare to face Bueckers and the Wings, making the promotional choice even more noticeable.
Jon Root also criticised the graphic, calling it ‘pure clickbait’ and arguing that Clark and Mitchell would have been the obvious choices to promote Indiana.
The reaction has once again put the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark under the spotlight. With Clark continuing to command huge attention, fans clearly believe leaving her out of major promotional material is a decision that deserves an explanation.
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