Sue Bird is speaking out in defense of Caitlin Clark and shedding light on a deeper issue in the WNBA. During her podcast with Megan Rapinoe this week, the 13-time WNBA All-Star didn’t mince words when discussing the racism that has long affected the league. Bird made it clear that racism is not a new problem, nor did it arrive with Caitlin Clark’s entrance into the WNBA.
Instead, the veteran explained, the increased scrutiny surrounding racism within the league is due to its rising popularity and visibility.
“Racism has been impacting the WNBA well before this year,” Bird said bluntly. “This is not a new thing. In that way, I do think Caitlin’s being used as a pawn. Caitlin didn’t bring racism to the WNBA. This has been happening, and that, I think, is what has been such a shock for all of us—that other people are surprised by this. We’ve been trying to tell you.”
Bird emphasized that the heightened attention around the league, driven in part by the arrival of rookies like Clark, is drawing more eyes not only to the game but also to the underlying issues that have existed for years.
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Clark, along with her talented rookie class, has undeniably helped raise the WNBA’s profile, boosting both viewership and excitement. Their presence has injected new life into the league, attracting more fans and media coverage.
However, Bird noted that with increased attention comes increased scrutiny, and while Clark and her peers have brought a lot of positive energy to the league, the darker issues—such as racism—are now being noticed more frequently by the public.
According to Bird, these problems have always been there, but the league’s growth is now exposing them to a larger audience.
Ultimately, Bird’s comments serve as a reminder that while the WNBA is on the rise, it continues to grapple with systemic issues that have been present for years.
The veteran’s defense of Clark underscores that no single player is responsible for bringing these problems to light—rather, the league’s growing spotlight is illuminating issues that have long needed addressing.
