OLD WNBA PLAYERS Erica Wheeler FIRES BACK At WNBA: “Caitlin Clark Changed Everything!”

In the ever-shifting landscape of the WNBA, few players have sparked as much debate, division, and attention in recent memory as Caitlin Clark. The former Iowa star and NCAA all-time leading scorer has brought a media frenzy, historic TV ratings, and a brand-new spotlight to women’s basketball. But not everyone in or around the league is aligned on how to handle that attention. Recently, veteran WNBA player Erica Wheeler added her voice to the ongoing conversation — and she didn’t hold back.

A Tense Climate in the WNBA

Before diving into Wheeler’s comments, it’s important to understand the atmosphere surrounding Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the league. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever, Clark has been at the center of every media cycle. From record-breaking preseason viewership to ticket sales and jersey sellouts, her presence is undeniable.

But this sudden shift in focus hasn’t sat well with everyone. Critics argue that the WNBA and mainstream media are prioritizing Clark at the expense of Black veterans and existing stars who’ve carried the league for years. Fans are divided. Some see Clark as the savior of the WNBA; others see her as a symbol of how white athletes often receive preferential treatment.

It’s in this context that Erica Wheeler’s comments landed like a thunderclap.

Wheeler Speaks Out

On a recent Instagram Live session and later in follow-up tweets, Erica Wheeler — an undrafted guard who worked her way up to become an All-Star MVP in 2019 — opened up about the Caitlin Clark phenomenon and how it’s affecting the league.

“Caitlin Clark changed everything. Let’s be real. The media, the fans, even the league — it’s a whole new game now,” Wheeler said.

Her tone wasn’t angry or bitter, but assertive and grounded in reality. Wheeler emphasized that while she respected Clark’s game and acknowledged her generational talent, there were deeper truths people were ignoring.

“What y’all don’t see is how different things feel this season. Players feel it. The locker rooms feel it. The vibe is different. That’s not a bad thing — but let’s stop acting like it’s normal.”

A Message to the League — and Its Fans

Wheeler’s comments seemed to target not Clark personally, but rather the WNBA’s handling of her meteoric rise. She noted that when Black players dominated in past seasons, the league didn’t invest the same media energy or marketing muscle.

“We’ve had hoopers. Real hoopers. Why weren’t the cameras here when Arike [Ogunbowale] was dropping 30 every night? When Sylvia [Fowles] was dominating? When we had vets retiring and barely a mention?”

Her message resonated with many fans, especially long-time WNBA supporters who have often voiced frustration over media neglect for Black athletes in the sport. The WNBA’s history is deeply rooted in Black excellence, yet many argue that Clark’s arrival — while welcome — has overshadowed that legacy almost overnight.

Still, Wheeler stopped short of placing blame solely on Clark. “She’s doing what she’s supposed to do. She’s balling. She’s showing up. It’s on the league and the media to make sure they’re showing love to everybody, not just the shiny new story.”

The Reactions Pour In

Unsurprisingly, Wheeler’s statements lit up social media. Some praised her for her honesty and bravery in speaking out during a sensitive moment in the league’s growth. Others accused her of being jealous or undermining a rookie who’s helping elevate the sport.

Even former players chimed in. Retired WNBA star Cappie Pondexter backed Wheeler, posting, “She’s telling no lies. We been saying it for years. They didn’t listen until now.”

Meanwhile, fans debated whether Wheeler’s critique exposed an uncomfortable truth or was unfairly targeting Clark. The divide highlights a growing tension between celebrating a player’s individual brilliance and confronting the systemic biases that influence which players get attention and which don’t.

Clark’s Impact Is Undeniable — and Complicated

There’s no denying Caitlin Clark’s transformative influence on women’s basketball. She’s attracted sponsors, sold out arenas, and brought new viewers to the WNBA. ESPN’s broadcast of her preseason debut drew nearly a million viewers — unheard of numbers for WNBA exhibitions.

Her appeal has translated into massive merchandising success as well. Clark’s jersey sold out within hours of release. And cities she visits as part of the Indiana Fever’s road schedule are seeing spikes in ticket sales. Simply put: she’s an economic force.

Yet, as Erica Wheeler and others have highlighted, the question remains: Who benefits from this moment — and who gets left behind?

Moving Toward a More Inclusive Future

Wheeler’s callout isn’t just a personal gripe; it’s part of a larger push to ensure the WNBA grows in a way that is inclusive and respectful of its roots. Players like A’ja Wilson, Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray, and Brittney Griner have built the league’s foundation, and many feel the media should give them equal shine.

The league is at a crossroads. Caitlin Clark is helping open doors, but the WNBA must decide what kind of story it wants to tell moving forward — one that centers only on new stars, or one that uplifts both newcomers and veterans alike.

Final Thoughts

Erica Wheeler’s remarks may have ruffled feathers, but they also sparked an essential conversation. The WNBA is growing, evolving, and transforming — and with that comes inevitable tension. Clark’s rise is exciting, but it must be met with a holistic approach to coverage, recognition, and respect for all players.

As Wheeler put it best: “Celebrate her. But don’t forget us.”

And in a league built on resilience, sisterhood, and excellence, that message might just be what the WNBA needs most right now.