WNBA: NBA’s Silver says Caitlin Clark has become ‘political football’

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a “political football” in the United States and the controversy over fouls against the player “is largely not about the officiating,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

Clarke, 24, has become one of the biggest draws in the WNBA since being drafted by the Fever in 2024.

As a result, much attention has been paid to the way Clark is treated by opposing teams and the tactics they use to try to limit his impact during games.

Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a retrospective one-game ban and a $1,000 (£743) fine for appearing to knee Clark in the groin and thrust her fist into his neck during a fight for possession.

That led Fever coach Stephanie White to label the WNBA’s handling of games involving Clark as “disgusting” and “absolutely disrespectful”, while Thomas said the incident with the 2024 rookie led to her receiving death threats and racist abuse.

A group of 11 Republican lawmakers then sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbart asking the league to “take responsibility” and expressing concern that “the attack against Clark may be racially motivated”.

Political commentators on the right have also weighed in, suggesting that Clark’s treatment is rooted in racism and jealousy.

Speaking as part of a panel at an event in New York, Silver said the controversies surrounding Clark have become broader political and cultural issues in the United States than just basketball.

“That particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called during the play or whether it was ultimately a glaring non-review,” Silver said.

“I know Caitlin really well. She’s an incredible player and an incredible person.

“And he wants to focus on being the best player he can be. And he’s become a bit of a political football in this country, and I think that’s incredibly unfair to him.”

Silver declined to comment when asked if reports that he pressured Engelbert to fire Thomas last month were true.

But while the 64-year-old said there is “no doubt” the WNBA’s staff needs to improve, he doubled down on his belief that the intense focus on the incidents involving Clark has become a game of “political ping-pong.”

“She’s a young lady who’s trying to improve her game and focus on being the best player she can be,” Silver added.

“I don’t even think it’s fair to him that it becomes a separate story as to whether a foul should have been called at the time or whether it should have been a flagrant foul after the fact.”

Engelbert was also a panelist at the New York event and said: “What our players get is unacceptable.”

Coach White has previously criticized the tone of the debate and highlighted the rise of “toxicity, racism, homophobia” in the league, particularly in online comments.

And earlier this month Clark criticized the “harassment, the hate” surrounding the controversy, adding: “None of it is fair. The opponents we play, that goes for my teammates, that goes for my coaches.”

That’s when his own frustrations came to the fore this week He yelled at a referee And Siddhant uses an insult after going against his team.