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Republican lawmakers are probing the WNBA about the treatment of Caitlin Clark
Washington D.C. is getting involved in the Caitlin Clark drama. A group of 11 Republican politicians sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert this wek demanding the league take “accountability” for what they described as “multiple attacks” against the Indiana Fever star.
The letter — led by Representative August Pfluger of Texas — described Caitlin Clark as “the face of your league” and someone who has driven fan interest, television ratings, and new corporate sponsors, and also expressed concern that the “attacks against Clark may be racially motivated.”
The request from the lawmakers comes after a controversial incident that saw Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas get away with driving her fist into Clark’s throat following a collision in a game on June 24. A foul was not called on the play, and Clark exited the game in the third quarter with a back injury and did not return to the game.
Caitlin Clark got punched in the throat & stepped on by Alyssa Thomas.
No foul, of course 🙄 pic.twitter.com/peBy5K3kfi
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) June 25, 2026
Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the WNBA voicing concern that attacks against Caitlin Clark are “racially motivated”
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation,” the letter said in part. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws.”
The lawmakers requested a response by July 24 addressing three questions: the league’s review process for physical altercations on the court, how the league holds players accountable for overly aggressive acts, and what steps are being taken to protect players from online harassment.
In a statement, the Indiana Fever said they were unaware of the letter and had no interaction with anyone in the congressional group.
“Our organization nor Caitlin has had any interaction with anyone in this congressional group and we were unaware of their letter,” the Fever’s statement read.
“We have been clear in our public comments and in our ongoing dialogue with the League about the priority of player safety. Our players and our fans know where we stand on those issues, and we will continue to stick up for our team and a standard of excellence across the league.”
After the injury in the June 24 game, Clark only returned to action on Wednesday night in the Fever’s loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Clark had nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in just 16 minutes of game time.