The absence of WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark from a poster celebrating the league's 30th anniversary has sparked fan frustration, with the reason attributed to her personal licensing agreements rather than on-court performance or rivalries. The Indiana Fever star, who has significantly boosted the league's popularity since her 2024 entry, was not featured on an image created by WinCraft commemorating the milestone.
Darren Rovell, founder of Cllct Media, explained that Clark's likeness is not included because she does not permit licensees like WinCraft to use it. Beyond her major endorsement deal with Nike, which secured an eight-year, $28 million contract in 2024, Clark reportedly only allows the use of her name and jersey number by other licensees.
The controversy surrounding the poster emerged shortly after an incident where Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and suspended for a subsequent game after a play on Wednesday night. Video replays showed Thomas striking Clark in the throat with a closed fist while the two were competing for a loose ball. Clark's coach, Stephanie White, described the foul as "egregious and clearly disrespectful," noting that no foul was called on the play by referees at the time.
This incident with Thomas is the latest in a series of rough treatments Clark has faced during her rookie season. Social media commentary, including from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, criticized the physicality directed at Clark, with some suggesting it highlights a