Caitlin Clark has spoken out against the social media hatred directed at herself, her WNBA teammates, coaches, and opposing players, a stance that comes after Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas reported receiving death threats and racial slurs. Thomas faced this abuse following her one-game suspension for making contact with Clark's throat during a recent game.
"The harassment, the hate, none of that is OK," Clark said at practice on Friday. "That goes for the opposing team we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches. There should never be question of character. None of that is OK, and I don't want anybody to ever experience that."
The WNBA has experienced a surge in attention in recent seasons, partly due to the arrival of players like Clark and Angel Reese. While this has led to positive developments such as a multi-billion dollar media rights deal, increased salaries, and higher attendance, it has also coincided with a rise in online vitriol directed at players and teams.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement on Tuesday condemning "any and all forms of hate." The league has been actively working to enhance player safety and address its social media challenges. Over the past few seasons, the WNBA has increased security measures, with teams traveling with more personnel and implementing enhanced protocols at arenas, hotels, and during travel. The adoption of charter flights has also improved team logistics.
To combat online abuse, the WNBA has introduced initiatives utilizing artificial intelligence software designed to identify and respond more rapidly to threats, harassment, and hate speech targeting players and teams across social media platforms.
"I think for the league as a whole, there's been so much more toxicity, racism, homophobia - straight-up hateful nonsense, and it is absolutely unacceptable," said Fever coach Stephanie White. "Most of it is coming from the online community. In my heart of hearts, I believe most of it is not coming from WNBA fans or Indiana Fever fans."
White, who previously coached Thomas, noted that she witnessed similar online vitriol directed at players in other contexts. "AT is exactly right: We get to play a basketball game," White added. "Yes, that's going to come with criticism and yes, that's going to come with fans and the love-hate relationship they have with players and teams. But it's not hard to not be a jerk. And if you're one of the people who's online doing this, do not call yourself a WNBA fan."
Clark also shared that the narratives surrounding her and her teammates online and in the media have been emotionally taxing. "It can be really frustrating to me at times and it's difficult," Clark stated. "A lot of people sometimes think I'm a robot. I'm not a robot. I have emotions, I have feelings. And it can be really difficult to go through a lot of that. I'm 24 years old, trying to navigate a lot ... there are times that it is hard, and there are times that, you know, it probably affects me a little bit more than I do put on."
To support players dealing with online hate, the league has expanded access to confidential mental health resources. The WNBA players' union also sent a letter to its members, addressing social media vitriol and reiterating that while passionate fandom is part of sports, threats and harassment are not.
"Threats, harassment, and especially death threats directed at any player or members of her family are not," the letter stated. "It is completely unacceptable and must be unequivocally, publicly and immediately condemned." The union also reminded players that both their teams and the WNBPA offer security resources for those experiencing threatening or concerning communications, emphasizing that player safety remains the highest priority.