WNBA Owner Criticizes Time for Caitlin Clark ‘Athlete of the Year’ Choice

WNBA owner Sheila Johnson recently shared her thoughts about Caitlin Clark in an interview.

Johnson’s Critique on Athlete Recognition:

Sheila Johnson, who owns the Washington Mystics, spoke with CNN and expressed her disappointment with TIME magazine for naming Caitlin Clark as “Athlete of the Year.” Johnson believes that the entire WNBA deserves more recognition rather than focusing on just one player like Clark.

The Bigger Picture:

Johnson highlighted a broader issue, saying, “I want to be very diplomatic about this. It’s just the structure of the way the media plays out race, if I’m being very honest. I feel really bad because I’ve seen so many players of color that are equally as talented, and they never get the recognition that they should have. And I think right now it is time for that to happen.” She suggested that instead of spotlighting a single athlete, TIME could have celebrated “the WNBA as the league of the year” due to its collective talent.

Challenges Within Recognition:

According to Johnson, singling out one player can lead to feelings of resentment and stories about racial issues within the league. She emphasized that after nearly 28 years, something significant happened in the WNBA this year due to new talent entering through drafts—not just Caitlin Clark but also players like Reese—who remain underappreciated.

Fans sometimes feel like we need more unity in sports recognition.

The Impact of Caitlin Clark:

Despite these concerns, it’s undeniable how much excitement Caitlin Clark brings to games. Her presence draws crowds whether she plays at home or away. The Mystics experienced this firsthand; their games against Fever accounted for a significant portion of their home attendance thanks to what’s known as “the Clark Effect.”