Sheila Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Mystics and a trailblazer in sports ownership, is calling for a broader recognition of the WNBA’s success, emphasizing that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark cannot be solely credited for the league’s recent surge in popularity.
In an interview with CNN’s Amanda Davies, Johnson highlighted the collective effort and talent that has propelled the WNBA forward, dismissing the notion that one player is responsible for its growth.
“It has taken the WNBA almost 28 years to get to the point where we are now. And this year, something clicked with the WNBA,” Johnson said. “It’s because of the draft or the players that came in. It’s just not Caitlin Clark—it’s (Angel) Reese. We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized, and I don’t think we can just pin it on one player.”
A Call for Equity in Recognition
Johnson also addressed the media’s role in shaping narratives around the league’s stars, suggesting that race has influenced the level of attention players receive. Clark, a white guard and the 2024 Rookie of the Year, has garnered significant media attention, which Johnson believes has overshadowed equally talented players of color.
“Clark is getting all the attention because of the structure or the way the media plays out race,” Johnson explained. “Many WNBA players of color have been equally talented, but they never got the recognition they deserved.”
Johnson’s remarks came shortly after Clark was named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year, an honor Johnson felt could have been shared to celebrate the league as a whole.
“Why couldn’t they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said, ‘The WNBA is the league of the year,’ because of all the talent that we have?” Johnson questioned. “When you just keep singling out one player, it creates hard feelings.”
Clark’s Impact and Rising Stardom
There’s no denying Caitlin Clark’s immense popularity and impact on the league. The Iowa alum electrified the WNBA in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, breaking records and drawing massive crowds. Her two games against the Mystics in Washington accounted for 31% of the team’s total home attendance for the entire season.
Clark’s accolades in her rookie campaign include:
- Rookie of the Year: Averaging 19.2 points and a league-high 8.4 assists per game.
- Triple-Double History: Becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles.
- Single-Season Records: Setting the record for most points by a guard in a single season.
- All-Star Selection: Named to the All-Star team, All-Rookie Team, and All-WNBA First Team.
Despite her undeniable talent, Johnson emphasizes that Clark’s achievements should not overshadow the collective contributions of other WNBA players, including those like Angel Reese, who has also made a significant impact on and off the court.
A Bright Future for the League
The WNBA continues to grow in popularity, with its players pushing boundaries and expanding the league’s reach.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate matchups between top stars like Clark and Reese, whose Chicago Sky team will face Clark’s Fever on May 17 in the season opener. Clark will meet the Mystics in Washington on June 3 for a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game.
Johnson’s comments highlight the need for a balanced narrative that celebrates the collective strength and talent of the league. While Clark is a transformative player, Johnson believes the WNBA’s success stems from the depth of its talent pool and the contributions of all its players.
“The WNBA isn’t about one player,” Johnson concluded. “It’s about a league full of incredible athletes who are changing the game and inspiring the next generation. Let’s celebrate all of them.”
