Jason Whitlock has once again sparked debate, this time calling out Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Cathy Englebert, and the entire WNBA for lacking star power that fans can actually relate to.
On his show, Whitlock said bluntly,
“Nobody in this league is really likable. And I’m sorry. Everybody can leave the subscribers and run away from this show, but I’ve tried. I’m bending over backwards with Caitlyn Clark. Not likable. All she wants to do is whine and complain with the referees. She’s nailing herself to a cross.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GQM2X0A-DU
Caitlin Clark has been a magnet for attention since her college days, drawing record crowds and ratings boosts in both NCAA and WNBA games. But Whitlock’s critique points to a different issue: being a popular draw doesn’t always equal being well-liked. His comments suggest that constant run-ins with referees and a confrontational attitude could hurt Clark’s image with casual fans.
This isn’t just about one player. Whitlock grouped the league’s leadership and other stars into the same box, saying that the culture around the WNBA feels unappealing and self-destructive.
Whether fans see Caitlin Clark as unlikable or misunderstood, her presence keeps driving conversation—and that spotlight isn’t fading anytime soon.
Jason Whitlock Blames Caitlin Clark And WNBA For “Mismanagement” Of Star Power
Jason Whitlock didn’t stop at calling Caitlin Clark unlikable. He went further, accusing both Clark and the league of failing to handle her rise in a way that helps women’s basketball grow.
“And Caitlyn Clark has been a part of the mismanagement of Caitlyn Clark. The WN[BA], everybody,” Whitlock said, putting responsibility on both the player and leadership.
Caitlin Clark has been viewed as a once-in-a-generation star, the kind of athlete who can move TV ratings and sponsorship deals. But Whitlock argued that the league has leaned too heavily on her without building the structure to support her presence. He sees this as wasted potential, comparing it to situations in other sports where a major star was mishandled until momentum died down.
Whitlock’s point is that Clark’s clashes on the court and lack of guidance from league officials create a narrative that turns fans away instead of pulling them in.
Defenders of Clark say she’s still learning to adjust at the professional level. They add that her impact on attendance and media coverage proves she’s delivering, regardless of criticism
At the heart of Whitlock’s take is a worry that Caitlin Clark and the WNBA could be wasting a rare moment. With women’s basketball finally breaking into mainstream headlines, how the league manages its brightest star could define whether this surge continues—or fizzles.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
