The WNBA has been one of the biggest names in recent years. And one of the major factors contributing to its sudden boom in popularity is undoubtedly Caitlin Clark. While she has only spent two seasons in the league, her influence has resulted in the league’s popularity skyrocketing. Unfortunately, despite all the rosy updates, dark clouds now loom over the WNBA.
With the CBA negotiations going on, Napheesa Collier’s backlash towards Cathy Engelbert has garnered a lot of eyeballs. And now, Dan Patrick has made a bold comment related to Clark. She had been a phenom in her rookie year. Not only did she win the Rookie of the Year, but she also broke several records en route to greatness. And while her injury pegged the Indiana Star back this year, it looks like Clark’s star power is still intact.
Dan Patrick Lashes Out At WNBA Following Leaked Caitlin Clark Comments
Veteran sportscaster Patrick is not at all happy with how things are going at the moment. In a recent development, Lynx’s Collier revealed that Engelbert had made some shocking comments about Clark. The WNBA commissioner allegedly told the Lynx’s star that Clark must be thankful towards the league for enabling her to earn as much as $16 million. And this is something that did not sit well with Patrick. In a recent appearance on the ‘Don’t @Me With Dan Dakich,’ Patrick stated that the WNBA needs Clark more.
“Are they going to make $300,000? Maybe someday, but Caitlin Clark shouldn’t make $78,000 a year and then be thankful that she gets to make $16 million off the court. The WNBA needs Caitlin Clark; Caitlin Clark does not need the WNBA,” said Patrick.
The WNBA turned on Caitlin Clark, now they’re turning TO Caitlin Clark@dandakich's interview with @dpshow drops at 1 p.m. today! pic.twitter.com/SyglVsMGEE
— OutKick (@Outkick) October 10, 2025
Patrick did not stop there. He further stated that Engelbert’s mention of Clark to Collier was a bit surprising, as both Collier and Clark have the same agent. Meanwhile, following the controversy, Rachel DeMita pointed out how Clark must now embrace the ‘villain’ within. Adding further to the narrative, Fever head coach Stephanie White expressed her frustrations about Clark being used as a ‘pawn.’
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Stephanie White Hates Caitlin Clark’s Name Being Overused In CBA Talks
Stephanie White has been an active advocate for the mental wellness of her team’s players. Throughout the season, White has come out to defend her team even in the face of adversity. Thus, the Fever head coach disapproved when she saw people unnecessarily mentioning Clark’s name in the CBA drama.
With all the news around Engelbert’s comments towards Clark, White seemed pretty much frustrated. In fact, she added that people were deliberately using Clark’s name as a ‘pawn’ in the entire CBA drama.
White described Clark as “a pawn in a lot of other people’s games and narratives. I hate it all for Caitlin. She’s a 23-year-old kid who loves to play this game, who is a pawn in a lot of people’s games and narratives. I hate that for her,” White said.
Thus, it is evident that the situation is getting tense with each passing day. And as the likes of Clark and others get involved, fans are eager to see what happens next.