He’s known for his passion, his catchphrases, and his unfiltered takes—but this time, Dick Vitale’s fire isn’t aimed at college hoops. It’s directed squarely at the WNBA. In a fiery message posted on social media, the legendary broadcaster lashed out at what he called the “jealous and absurd” treatment of rookie star Caitlin Clark, after she was controversially ranked just the ninth-best guard in the league.
“It is absurd the way that a number of players in the WNBA have treated Caitlin Clark!” Vitale wrote. “So sad… but I bet they love the charter flights, the increase in salaries, the crowds, the TV ratings since she arrived from Iowa. No doubt she is the best thing to happen to the WNBA.” His statement, raw and unapologetic, quickly exploded across platforms, reigniting an already fierce national conversation.
Clark, who became the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader at Iowa and has brought record-breaking viewership to the WNBA, has faced a rocky transition to the pros—not just on the court, but in locker rooms and headlines. While fans have embraced her as a generational talent, several WNBA veterans have appeared cool, if not outright critical. The now-infamous ESPN player ranking, placing her ninth among league guards, became a flashpoint.
To Vitale, it’s personal. Known for championing student-athletes and celebrating young talent, he views Clark’s treatment as unjust and detrimental to the league’s future. “I’ve watched this kid lift every team she’s ever played for,” he told a radio host in a follow-up interview. “If the league is smart, they’ll protect her—not punish her for being great.”
The reaction to Vitale’s post was swift. Thousands of fans and fellow commentators flooded the comments in support, echoing his sentiments. Some even accused the league of undervaluing the very player who is filling stadiums, driving up television deals, and bringing new fans—particularly young women—to the sport.
Still, not everyone agrees. Some WNBA players argue that Clark, while incredibly talented, hasn’t yet earned the status of elite. “Respect is earned in this league,” one All-Star player wrote on X. “Hype doesn’t equal legacy.” That divide—between new eyes and old guard—is quickly becoming one of the defining storylines of the 2025 season.
But to many observers, the numbers speak for themselves. Since Clark’s arrival, league attendance is up by over 35%, social media engagement has doubled, and several Indiana Fever games have sold out for the first time in over a decade. Nike’s Caitlin Clark jersey became the fastest-selling WNBA product in history. And yet, for all the off-court buzz, some say she’s being met with hostility from within.
“Greatness shouldn’t be punished,” Vitale said. “This young woman has changed the WNBA overnight. She deserves applause, not attitude.”
As the WNBA races toward playoff season, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just a rookie anymore—she’s a flashpoint. And with iconic voices like Dick Vitale now in her corner, the conversation around her legacy is only getting louder. Whether it’s envy, growing pains, or simply the cost of being a once-in-a-generation talent, Clark’s presence is reshaping everything. And she’s not backing down.
