Law Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson believes that race is a significant factor in the attention surrounding Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA.
Clark, known for her record-setting time with Iowa’s women’s basketball team, has garnered attention for her move to the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. Wilson attributes Clark’s popularity to racism, suggesting that society may not appreciate the success of black women the same way they do for others.
Despite Clark’s accomplishments, Wilson feels that there is a disparity in recognition based on race within the WNBA. She believes that black women are often overlooked in favor of others, leading to unfair treatment in the sports industry.
Clark’s $28 million deal with Nike also sparked controversy, with some accusing the shoemaker of being racist for signing a WNBA rookie. Wilson, who also secured a deal with Nike and Gatorade, has been vocal about the challenges faced by black players in the sports industry.
While some argue that Clark’s success is unrelated to race, Fox Sports points out that Clark had an advantage over Wilson due to her involvement in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals during her college career. This opportunity allowed Clark to build relationships with advertisers before entering the WNBA, giving her a head start in the industry.
Despite facing criticism for her success, Clark has refrained from engaging with accusations of racial bias in her achievements. As she continues her journey in the WNBA, Clark remains focused on her career and the opportunities that lie ahead.
