WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert rejected the notion that players are purposely targeting Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. While Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has faced tough and physical defence, including a recent incident in which she was thrown to the floor by a cheap shot foul, Engelbert says that Clark is treated equally with other players. Engelbert alluded to a recent game in which Clark scored a career-high 30 points as proof.
“Did anyone mention that she was targeted in that game?” Engelbert told USA TODAY Sports. “No, since everyone is only seeking for the outcome that they want. However, the fanbase is fantastic. It’s a terrific discussion, and I believe we will continue to look at or assess games after the fact.”
Despite being left off the Team USA roster for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, Clark has drawn attention to the WNBA as a rookie after a record-breaking college career at Iowa. However, this implies that more spectators are becoming aware of the WNBA’s physical character.
“I believe everyone is watching Caitlin, so they’re only focused on Caitlin,” Engelbert remarked. “However, when compared to other games with other players, it is a physical game. There is no doubt about that. It’s a pure shooter’s game, a physical game, with a lot of pick-and-rolls and seeing the floor.
Clark had ups and downs during the first month of her rookie season, which consisted of 13 games in 28 days. The Fever are only 3-10, but Clark averages 16.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals a game. She led Indiana in assists in all but one game, despite only playing 22 minutes in a recent defeat to the Connecticut Sun. Clark also helped set multiple WNBA attendance records in various arenas, resulting in increased viewership.
“They cared enough to type thousands of emails to me,” Engelbert explained. “You’re talking about the WNBA and the rough play. And they aren’t just Caitlin. There are other players who say, ‘Cathy, you need to do this, you need to do that.’ People care. “I love it.”
The Indiana Fever will host the Atlanta Dream on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Clark set multiple records throughout her four-year undergraduate stint at Iowa, where she became a household celebrity. This previous season, women’s collegiate basketball skyrocketed in popularity thanks to top players, like Clark. Iowa received record television ratings for the Elite Eight, Final Four, and national championship games.
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