Caitlin Clark Has Faced Significant Backlash Since She Entered the WNBA

After a record-breaking college career, Caitlin Clark came into the WNBA with a lot of hype. Now that the WNBA season is underway, though, many want to better understand why Caitlin has been demanding so much attention all season long.

Caitlin is part of one of the best rookie classes in recent memory, and while she has had her ups and downs throughout the season, there's no doubt that she's getting a lot of eyeballs onto both herself and the league more generally. Here's what we know about why so many people hate her.

The reason there has been such a strong backlash to Caitlin has very little to do with the player herself. Instead, many fans and a few fellow players seem to resent how much attention Caitlin is receiving. While she may not be the best women's basketball player, Caitlin is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen and her stardom has come with plenty of attention, as well as lucrative endorsements.

All of that success has some long-time WNBA fans and fellow players resentful, feeling that Caitlin doesn't deserve all the attention that she has received. Some players promised that Caitlin would face some major adjustments when she joined the WNBA. She has dealt with some aggressive fouls as well as her share of rough games. Despite the challenges, Caitlin's attitude has been one of respect and resilience.

Caitlin, who has been playing basketball uninterrupted for months, recently made headlines again after some thought she was snubbed from the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 games. As she has most of the way, Caitlin said that her goal would be to make the next team in 2028.

"I'm excited for the girls that are on the team," Caitlin said. "I know it's the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team. I'm going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them."

"Honestly, no disappointment," she continued. "It just gives me something to work for; it's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there."

Caitlin isn't the first player to face some hazing when she moved up a rung and proved to be a star. So far, though, she has handled that backlash well and has continued to try to improve her own game at the next level. All in all, the idea that she's hated is a little bit overblown. She has faced some skepticism from fellow players and fans, and if she wants to quiet them, she'll just have to continue proving her greatness.