Radio host Boomer Esiason suggested that WNBA player Caitlin Clark should consider playing overseas, citing concerns about the treatment and perceived lack of respect she has faced in the league.
Esiason, speaking on his radio show "Boomer and Gio," stated that if he were in Clark's position, he would seriously contemplate moving to an international league for "royal treatment and real money." He noted that many WNBA players supplement their incomes by playing in other leagues during the offseason.
"I think there is a petty jealousy, and she's a straight white basketball player. And she is not being treated with any sort of respect whatsoever," Esiason said.
His comments come after a series of contentious plays involving Clark. On June 25, 2026, Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas was assessed a flagrant foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for an incident where she made contact with Clark's throat and then stepped over her. The WNBA announced the suspension on Thursday. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White called the play "egregious" and unacceptable, particularly given previous incidents.
This followed a recent technical foul call on Clark, which she described as "ridiculous." Furthermore, the league's 30th-anniversary poster did not feature Clark, despite her significant popularity, instead highlighting current stars like Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Kelsey Plum.
While Clark has secured numerous endorsements, Esiason implied that her on-court treatment is not commensurate with her overall value or popularity, suggesting that her identity as a "straight white basketball player" might be a factor in the WNBA's approach to her.