Cari Champion criticizes WNBA for handling of Caitlin Clark's fanbase
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 8:27 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Caitlin Clark's emergence in the WNBA has garnered record viewership, highlighted by over 3.3 million watching her August 23 game with the Indiana Fever. However, veteran journalist Cari Champion criticized the league for neglecting troubling behavior from some of Clark's fans, who have reacted aggressively to critiques and on-court incidents involving her. The ongoing situation includes backlash against other players like Alyssa Thomas, who received threats after a controversial play involving Clark. With Clark at the forefront of these discussions, the WNBA faces pressure to address player safety and fan conduct more seriously as the season progresses.
- •Caitlin Clark's WNBA games attract record viewership.
- •Cari Champion claims WNBA mishandles Clark's aggressive fanbase.
- •Fans expressed outrage over critiques and incidents involving Clark.
- •Alyssa Thomas received threats following a controversial play against Clark.
- •The league faces pressure to improve player safety discussions.
- 8:27 PMYahoo Sports — Cari Champion calls out WNBA over Caitlin Clark's fanbase
- 7:05 AMYahoo Sports — ‘She Is Irrelevant,’ ‘Pathetic’ — Basketball World Fumes As Ex-ESPN Host Accuses WNBA of ‘Coddling’ Caitlin Clark, Ignoring ‘Extremely Nasty’ Fanbase
- 9:38 PMYahoo Sports — "They’re Mishandling Caitlin [Clark]": Veteran Journalist Calls Out WNBA For Tolerating Fever Star's "Nasty" Fanbase
"Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA helped push women’s basketball to a new level of mainstream attention. From record-setting television audiences to packed arenas, the “Caitlin Clark effect” quickly became one of the biggest storylines surrounding the league.
"Sports broadcast journalist Cari Champion sent a message to the WNBA about Caitlin Clark's fanbase.
"Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA brought millions of viewers to the league. A record 2.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 8:27 PMCari Champion calls out WNBA over Caitlin Clark's fanbase
Sports broadcast journalist Cari Champion sent a message to the WNBA about Caitlin Clark's fanbase.
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 7:05 AM‘She Is Irrelevant,’ ‘Pathetic’ — Basketball World Fumes As Ex-ESPN Host Accuses WNBA of ‘Coddling’ Caitlin Clark, Ignoring ‘Extremely Nasty’ Fanbase
Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA helped push women’s basketball to a new level of mainstream attention. From record-setting television audiences to packed arenas, the “Caitlin Clark effect” quickly became one of the biggest storylines surrounding the league.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 9:38 PM"They’re Mishandling Caitlin [Clark]": Veteran Journalist Calls Out WNBA For Tolerating Fever Star's "Nasty" Fanbase
Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA brought millions of viewers to the league. A record 2.
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