WNBA Called Out Over ‘Weak’ Statement After Fan Verbally Abuses Caitlin Clark

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The WNBA finds itself at the center of intense scrutiny over a statement it issued on Wednesday night addressing courtside fan behavior.

The statement itself came after a fan was pulled aside by security during a playoff game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun for verbally abusing Caitlin Clark. The fan later returned to his seat without incident

“The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world,” the statement began. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league. League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary.”

Fans And Former Players Call Out WNBA For Statement On Fan Behavior

But those words didn’t sit well with fans. Some believed the league didn’t go far enough to protect Clark. While others felt the statement came far too late.

“Lost lot of respect for wnba this year and I’m a former player,” UNC-Asheville head coach Tynesha Lewis tweeted. “Leadership valued dollars over the protection of their players and now at end of the season we get a statement. Nah. Miss me with that.”

“I cant help but feel this is all a day too late & a dollar too short,” another fan wrote. “It’s been MONTHS. Teams, players, staff, personnel, season ticket holders, fans, families, friends, security, everyone who is Black, LGBTQIA, Women, Non Gender Conforming, not outrightly feminine, endured hell!”

Clark is far from the only one to face abuse from fans as well. Connecticut star Alyssa Thomas spoke out after the game about the “racial comments” she and others faced from Indiana Fever fans.

Ultimately, the league has to find a way to rein in new fans. But their behavior may already be out of its control.