The WNBA's 30th-anniversary poster has ignited controversy among fans who noted the exclusion of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The league is selling a poster to commemorate its 30th season, and Clark, a central figure in the WNBA's recent surge in popularity, was not included among the featured players. This decision has led to widespread backlash online, with social media users labeling the omission as "egregious" and "ragebait."
The poster features a mix of current and former WNBA stars, including A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Nneka Ogwumike, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Becky Hammon, and Dawn Staley. The Indiana Fever is represented on the poster, but not by Clark; instead, Sophie Cunningham is among the players depicted.
Clark's impact since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has been substantial. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year for that season and set a league record for single-season assists with 337. Clark also established WNBA rookie records for points (769) and made three-pointers (122). Her arrival coincided with a significant increase in attention around the Fever, who set a WNBA single-season home attendance record during her rookie year.
Clark was not the only prominent name missing from the poster. Several WNBA legends, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker, and Elena Delle Donne, were also left off, according to The Indianapolis Star. This broader omission has further fueled criticism, with fans questioning the selection process for a poster celebrating 30 seasons of the league.
The WNBA has not yet publicly explained the criteria used for selecting the players featured on the commemorative poster. The controversy surrounding Clark's absence comes as the league navigates increased attention, with recent on-court incidents also drawing scrutiny. On June 24, 2026, during a game where Mercury star Alyssa Thomas was involved in an incident with Clark, the WNBA announced a one-game suspension for Thomas on June 25, 2026.