In the world of sports, moments of clarity sometimes arrive not with fireworks, but with the calm, measured words of a legend. This week, Candace Parker—one of the greatest to ever play in the WNBA—delivered such a moment on national TV, and in doing so, she may have shifted the conversation around the league’s brightest new star, Caitlin Clark, and the wave of resentment that’s followed her rise.
The Jealousy Dilemma
The WNBA is in the midst of unprecedented growth. Arenas are selling out, TV ratings are soaring, and merchandise is flying off the shelves. At the center of this explosion is Caitlin Clark, a rookie phenom whose popularity is eclipsing that of any player—male or female—in America right now. And yet, rather than a universal celebration, her arrival has been met with a storm of jealousy, bitterness, and, at times, outright hostility from corners of the league and its media.
Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has seen it all. She’s been a rookie sensation, a league ambassador, and now, a respected voice in sports media. When she joined Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s “First Take,” she was asked a question that cuts to the heart of the league’s current drama: Is she resentful about where the WNBA is right now, with so much attention focused on Caitlin Clark?
Her answer was a masterclass in perspective.
“Leave the Game Better Than You Found It”
Parker’s response was simple, but it cut through the noise: “My job was to leave the game better than I came into it.” She drew a direct line to Cheryl Miller, a legend who never had a WNBA to play in, but who has always been a mentor and supporter of the next generation. Miller doesn’t resent Parker for the opportunities she had; she cheers her on. And Parker, in turn, does the same for Clark and every woman in the league.
This, Parker said, is the true legacy of great athletes—not bitterness, but pride in building something that can be passed on. “It’s not about being jealous of who’s next. It’s about getting the game to a place where it’s ready for the next star. You don’t have to downplay Caitlin. You don’t have to act like her success is some fluke or ignore the fact that she’s lightning in a bottle. Instead, be proud that you built the platform and then support her because, get this, it’s good for everyone.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The “Caitlin Clark Effect” is not just a talking point; it’s a measurable phenomenon. This season alone, preseason games featuring Clark have drawn viewership numbers that most regular season games could only dream of. Her debut shattered records, and every game since has continued to drive the league’s meteoric rise.
But what happens when Clark is out? The numbers tell a sobering story. Ticket prices for Indiana Fever games without her plummeted, and league-wide viewership sagged. The WNBA’s newfound momentum is, in large part, riding on her shoulders. Parker and Smith both pointed out the parallel to Michael Jordan’s impact on the NBA—how one transcendent star can lift an entire league, if only the league is wise enough to embrace it.
A League at a Crossroads
Yet, instead of rallying around this moment, the WNBA’s old guard and some in the media have been slow to give Clark her due. In a recent Harvard Business Review piece, Commissioner Kathy Engelbert credited everyone from marketing teams to coaches for the league’s success, barely mentioning Clark by name. The reluctance to center Clark in the league’s narrative, Parker argued, is not just shortsighted—it’s self-defeating.
The league’s resistance to fully embracing Clark’s stardom has even seeped into controversy. After her debut, instead of headlines about her record-breaking performance, the conversation was hijacked by an investigation into alleged hate speech—a narrative fueled by internet rumors rather than facts. Meanwhile, real threats and hateful comments directed at Clark and her teammates have gone unaddressed by the league, highlighting a double standard that’s impossible to ignore.
The Race Conversation
Much of the resentment toward Clark has been framed in terms of race—an uncomfortable but unavoidable topic. Some critics have suggested that Clark’s popularity is due to her being white in a predominantly Black league. Parker didn’t shy away from this, but she challenged the league and its fans to keep the conversation about basketball. “When we do that, then we’re able to really grow the game and what it represents,” she said. The focus should be on Clark’s achievements—her records, her humility, her respect for those who came before her—not on divisive narratives that only serve to tear the league apart.
Lisa Leslie, another Hall of Famer, echoed this sentiment. She credited Clark for her impact and for always giving respect to the legends who paved the way. Clark, Leslie noted, is not someone who hogs the spotlight; she shares it with her teammates and honors the history of the game.
A Call to Action
Parker’s message was clear: The WNBA is at a critical juncture. The influx of new fans, the surge in visibility, and the potential for greater financial rewards are all real—but they are fragile. The league cannot afford to squander this moment by allowing jealousy, bitterness, or divisiveness to overshadow what’s happening on the court. Protect your stars, celebrate your new fans, and above all, keep the conversation about basketball.
The Caitlin Clark effect is already spreading. Even when she’s not on the court, her team, the Indiana Fever, continues to draw big numbers. This is the first phase of a cultural shift that, if nurtured, will benefit the entire league for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Candace Parker’s calm, logical defense of Caitlin Clark wasn’t just a “clapback” at the haters—it was a blueprint for how the WNBA can secure its future. Embrace the star who’s bringing millions to your doors. Celebrate the legends who built the foundation. And remember: Every generation’s job is to leave the game better than they found it.
If the league can do that, then maybe, just maybe, this moment of tension will give way to a new era of unity and growth—for Caitlin Clark, for Candace Parker, and for every fan who loves the game.
