Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will not leave the WNBA to start a breakaway league despite mounting off-court controversies and refereeing frustration.
Calls have grown for the 24-year-old player to abandon the WNBA amid on-court violence, off-court feuds, and controversial refereeing decisions. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently floated the breakaway theory. USA Today columnist Christine Brennan also noted last year that Clark holds the power to lead a new league, supported by millions in Nike and Gatorade sponsorships.
A source close to the situation told the Daily Mail that Clark will not be taking the nuclear option anytime soon. The source said Clark is not looking to consider Portnoy's advice to create her own league.
The source noted that Clark was offered a BIG3 contract a few years ago but chose to play in the WNBA to transform the league. A source revealed Clark has been frustrated to no end with the drama engulfing the league.
Refereeing Calls and Chicago Sky Incident
Portnoy urged Clark to start her own league after a contentious technical foul was called against her during Saturday's game against the Chicago Sky. Portnoy posted on social media: "Hey @CaitlinClark22, just go start your own league already. Sick league."
The technical foul against Clark was the latest in a series of incorrect refereeing decisions at her expense. Officials dramatically rescinded the call within hours, clearing Clark to face the New York Liberty on Tuesday, but the incident reignited anger among fans.
The Saturday game against the Chicago Sky also featured a major clash when Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected for striking Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham across the head. Cunningham confronted Carrington and was pulled away by a teammate before Carrington posted "WHITE PRIVILEGE" on social media while tagging the Fever.
Fever Teammate and Inclusion Debate
The confrontation added to a toxic backdrop of rallies and an eligibility debate that has followed the Fever across multiple cities. In recent weeks, 24-year-old Cunningham, who is a close friend of Clark, advocated for restrictions on inclusion in sports, stating she wants to "protect young girls" from "biological men."
The league has since split into factions among fans, coaches, and players. Conservative activist Riley Gaines attended an Indiana Fever game to clash with protestors, while rival coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "Kids Belong" t-shirt on the sidelines. Clark has a close friendship with Fever teammate Cunningham away from the court.
In July, Clark told ESPN in an interview that she was "emotionally exhausted" by the non-basketball drama. Speaking to SportsCenter, Clark said: "When I walk out of the locker room, I shouldn't be not fearful of what the conversation is gonna be... it's emotionally exhausting. It's draining. It makes your shoulders tense. Because, you know, people don't wanna talk about the basketball. They just wanna stir it up and make something else."
The insider added that Clark accepts she can drive necessary change and is working to navigate her position. The source noted that while it would be easy for Clark to retire or disappear, she would never do so because she would never want the zealots to win.
Ex-NBA Players and Draft Eligibility Debate
The debate over player eligibility escalated further this month when two retired NBA players announced intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Enes Kanter Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran standing 6ft 10in, argued that if self-identification determines eligibility, he meets all requirements.
Former Houston Rockets first-round pick Royce White similarly told reporters that he identifies as a woman sometimes for the purpose of basketball. White trolled critics on social media by posing in a wig and celebrating his "feminine era."
The announcements sparked a social media frenzy and led to reports that a task force of key WNBA figures will discuss the future of such athletes in women's basketball.
Commissioner Engelbert and League Ownership
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the issue in a leaked memo, writing that the league will prioritize "preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition" and will "always approach this topic thoughtfully." However, player confidence in Engelbert remains low, with athletes across the league admitting they have zero relationship with her.
An insider stated that most players believe the commissioner is in over her head and incapable of fixing the league's problems. The source added that racial and sexist overtones are disturbing the league, noting that Engelbert is trying to navigate the situation to be on the right side of history rather than bigotry.
WNBA team owners are increasingly worried that constant off-court controversies will stall league growth. One source stated that owners want a return to focusing on sports, noting that financial pressure will ultimately force change when controversies begin affecting the bottom line.
Criticism of Political Circus
Private criticism within the league has targeted Kanter Freedom and White. A source said most owners and players view their actions as disgusting, emphasizing that the WNBA is a basketball league rather than the Senate or the House.
Insiders expressed frustration that the sport has been turned into a political circus, calling for voices of reason and respect to take control. Meanwhile, Clark remains focused on playing basketball as the WNBA navigates ongoing turmoil.
