Four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson is not one to root against Caitlin Clark. However, she has voiced concerns regarding the misleading and racially charged narrative that has accompanied the Indiana Fever star since her entry into the league in 2024.
“It wasn’t a hit at me, because I’m going to do me regardless,” Wilson, 29, stated in an interview with Time published on December 9. “I’m going to win this MVP, I’ll win a gold medal, y’all can’t shake my resume.”
For Wilson, who was named Time’s 2025 Athlete of the Year, the issue transcends personal accolades; it’s about honoring the women who laid the groundwork for both her and Clark, 23, to shine.
“It was more so, let’s not lose the recipe,” she elaborated. “Let’s not lose the history. It was erased for a minute. And I don’t like that. Because we have tons of women that have been through the grimiest of grimy things to get the league where it is today.”
Clark made headlines in 2024, clinching Rookie of the Year honors and bringing her extensive collegiate following into the WNBA. Yet, some fans and media erroneously credited her as the sole catalyst for the league's growth—a phenomenon that began long before she donned an Iowa jersey.
The rivalry between Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, who is Black, introduced a troubling racial dynamic into the conversation. Over the past two seasons, players have faced racist remarks on social media and during games, prompting the league to initiate its No Space For Hate campaign in 2025.
Despite Clark's injury sidelining her for most of the 2025 season, viewership numbers remained strong compared to 2024. “Sometimes you need proof in the pudding,” Wilson remarked. “The biggest thing for us, and why I was so happy, is that we continue to rise to the occasion. This was just a matter of time for us to really bloom and blossom.”
As the WNBA continues its upward trajectory over the last five years—an ascent undoubtedly fueled by Clark, Reese, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers—the players find themselves at a critical juncture with their collective bargaining agreement set to expire on January 9, 2026.
While significant salary increases are anticipated for WNBA players, reports suggest that negotiations between the league and Players Association remain contentious. If an agreement isn’t reached soon, a lockout could jeopardize the league's momentum.
“All of us are going to be at the table and we’re not moving until we get exactly what we want,” Wilson asserted, representing the Aces in discussions with the WNBPA.
Wilson is among several players who have criticized the WNBA for undervaluing their contributions. A recurring sentiment among players is that the league expects them to be satisfied with minimal improvements rather than advocating for their rightful compensation.
“We’re in a league where they’re like, ‘Oh, be happy you got private planes,’” she said. “No. That was just scratching the surface.”
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