WNBA star A’ja Wilson has expressed strong feelings about the recent narrative surrounding the league’s rising popularity, particularly the focus on Caitlin Clark’s influence. Wilson, who joined the Indiana Fever in 2024, pointed to significant games that have attracted millions of viewers, including a match against the Chicago Sky that recorded an average of 2.7 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched regular-season game in WNBA history.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, after being named Player of the Year, Wilson voiced concerns that the league’s history is being overshadowed by Clark’s emergence. “It wasn’t a hit at me because I’m going to do me regardless,” Wilson remarked. “I’m going to win this MVP. I’ll win a gold medal. Y’all can’t shake my resume.” She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the journeys of countless women who have shaped the league into what it is today.
She has been candid about the racial dynamics at play in the game’s perception and marketing. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2024, Wilson remarked on the complicated racial elements of Clark’s rising popularity, stating, “I think it’s a huge thing… You can be top-notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see.” She pointed out that despite their hard work, Black women often find themselves marginalized in the narrative.
The conversation about racial double standards has been further fueled by Clark’s acknowledgment of the “privilege” she experiences. Wilson empathized with Clark’s position while noting the relentless pressures athletes face, particularly minority players, to prove their worth. “Imagine dealing with that and then having to go out and play every single night, having to constantly worry, ‘How are they about to downgrade my résumé now?'” she said.
Despite the challenges and perceived obstacles, Wilson is resolute in her journey and success in the league. “A lot of people don’t want to see me at the top, and that’s fine,” she asserted. “But I’m gonna be there because I worked my butt off to get there.” Her unwavering dedication underscores her commitment not just to her own success but also to amplifying the voices and histories of all those who have contributed to the WNBA’s growth and evolution.
