The CBA deal is off. Although it’s a saddening scene for most fans, the WNBPA has recently released a statement highlighting that they are not giving up on their key demands. The demands, however, circle around a pay raise and a revised revenue share. Everything with respect to the rise in popularity of the league. And at the heart of this ‘rise’ is Caitlin Clark.
Many WNBA analysts and players accepted that the ‘Clark-effect’ is positively impacting the league’s growth. Yet the league and even some players tried to diminish this achievement with their actions. In a recent video, Rachel DeMita opened up about the same thing.
WNBA Insider Sides With Caitlin Clark Fans
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White had firsthand experience with her superstar players’ influence on fans. She even called Clark ‘Taylor Swift 2.0,’ referring to her growing popularity. With this popularity, the player brought new fans to the league, and the numbers are huge. Yet some sections of the league are not ready to give due credit to CC.
Rachel DeMita pointed out the hypocrisy and said, “They (CC fans) have been shunned by WNBA media, they have been shunned by WNBA players. There has been so much regarding these new fans, like so toxic. The new fans have been pushed away, as if there is pushback on new fans. However, the new fans are the reason the players have the leverage that they do.”
🚨🚨Rachel Demita drops 🔥🔥🔥🔥 speaking about the treatment of the new fans a.k.a. Caitlin Clark fans experienced in this league. Imagine a different universe where they were actually embraced and the support they would have brought for other players and other leagues. 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/Fo11AGDTvC
— Michael (@mikeaalen112735) January 10, 2026
She discussed the CBA deal, in which players are seeking a substantial raise across all aspects, particularly in light of the league’s growth. She even highlighted the need for larger arenas for the Fever games as the league sought to attract more fans to the stadiums.
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Incidentally, the insider made a valid point that even Napheesa Collier made in her speech while discussing the pay gap.
Napheesa Collier Gives Caitlin Clark’s Example
During her early criticism, the Lynx forward used rookies like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Clark to show how much money the league is making through them, and yet they are getting the lowest salaries.
Later, she once again singled out the Fever guard, mentioning that she brings in millions for the WNBA while her salary is below 100,000. The WNBPA vice president even referenced the former Iowa star’s name while discussing the pay disparity with Cathy Engelbert.
While Stephanie White opposed the idea of using Clark as a pawn in the CBA discussions, that’s the hard reality. And what’s more sad is that her fans are not treated well by the league, as DeMita mentioned.