Caitlin Clark EXPOSES the 7 WNBA Rivals She Couldn’t Stand

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA wasn’t just a sports story—it was a cultural moment. The rookie phenom sold out arenas, shattered TV ratings, and brought unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. But with fame came a target on her back. Clark faced relentless fouls, dismissive comments, and open hostility from some of the league’s biggest names. Through it all, she kept her cool, letting her game speak louder than words. But even the most humble superstar has a breaking point.

Here are the seven players who defined Clark’s toughest battles—her most hated rivals, according to fans and insiders.

1. Diana Taurasi: The Legend Who Set the Tone

Before Clark even played a professional game, Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi fired the first shot. “Reality is coming. You’re going to a grown women’s league,” Taurasi said, dismissing Clark’s college dominance and making it clear that respect wouldn’t come easy. Taurasi doubled down in interviews, never offering a warm welcome. For Clark, it was a cold introduction to the league’s hierarchy—and a rivalry that never lost its edge.

2. Kayla McBride: The Enforcer Who Targeted Clark’s Team

In a bruising game against the Minnesota Lynx, Kayla McBride delivered an elbow to Clark’s teammate Lexi Hull, drawing blood and controversy. The whistle blew—not on McBride, but on Hull. Clark erupted at the officials, furious over the injustice. It wasn’t just a bad call; it was a season of targeted aggression, with Clark and her teammates paying the price. The rivalry between the Fever and Lynx took on a new intensity after that night.

3. Kennedy Carter: The Cheap Shot Artist

Chicago guard Kennedy Carter delivered the dirtiest play of Clark’s rookie season—a blindside hip check that sent Clark crashing to the floor. The crowd gasped, social media exploded, and fans demanded suspensions. But the league’s response was muted: a flagrant foul, no ejection, no suspension. Carter refused to acknowledge Clark in interviews, fueling the sense that Clark was being targeted not just by players, but by a system unwilling to protect its biggest star.

4. Alyssa Thomas: The Relentless Veteran

Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas made life miserable for Clark every time they shared the floor. Thomas’s physical play—elbows, body checks, and hard contests—went beyond normal defense. The referees rarely intervened, leaving Clark to absorb the punishment. For fans, Thomas became the face of the league’s rough welcome for its brightest young star, showing that survival was as important as skill.

5. Arike Ogunbowale: The Jealous Scorer

Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale has long been one of the league’s top scorers, but Clark’s arrival shifted the spotlight. Ogunbowale’s body language, physical play, and subtle digs made it clear she wasn’t impressed by the Clark hype. Their matchups became personal, with each player trying to outdo the other in clutch moments. The rivalry symbolized a clash between eras—established stars fighting for respect, and Clark, the rookie phenom, stealing headlines.

6. Natasha Cloud: The Outspoken Critic

Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud didn’t just challenge Clark’s game—she questioned the entire hype machine surrounding her. Cloud’s social media posts and on-court hostility made it clear she believed Clark hadn’t earned her spotlight. When the Mystics faced the Fever, every possession felt charged. Cloud’s criticism reflected a broader league sentiment: was Clark’s rise fair, or was it manufactured?

7. Angel Reese: The Ultimate Rival

No rivalry defined Clark’s career more than her ongoing feud with Angel Reese. It started in college, with Reese’s viral gesture during LSU’s championship win over Iowa. Their battles carried over into the WNBA, with every Fever-Sky matchup becoming must-watch drama. Physical play, trash talk, and sly comments fueled a rivalry that transcended basketball, touching on broader cultural themes. Reese wasn’t just a rival—she was *the* rival, the player who ensured Clark’s name would always be mentioned alongside hers.

Surviving the Hate: Clark’s Rookie Season of Resilience

Despite the fouls, the trash talk, and the unfair calls, Caitlin Clark never folded. She kept hitting threes, breaking records, and proving that no amount of hate could dim her spotlight. Each rivalry became fuel for the biggest rookie season in WNBA history. Clark’s response was always the same: show up, play hard, and let the scoreboard do the talking.

The Lesson: Hate Makes Legends

For Clark, these seven rivals didn’t just test her—they made her stronger. The adversity, the disrespect, and the physical play became the crucible in which her legend was forged. As her career continues, these battles will define her journey, pushing her to new heights and ensuring that her story is only just beginning.