'Jealously is ugly': Internet backs Caitlin Clark after A'ja Wilson pegs her popularity to her being White

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As basketball phenomena Caitlin Clark transitions from college to the WNBA, discussions about her race and the dynamics of her popularity have sparked controversy, with WNBA star A'ja Wilson weighing in on the matter, reported The Daily Mail.

Wilson, a standout player for the Las Vegas Aces, expressed frustration over what she perceives as a double standard in women's basketball, particularly regarding the marketability of Black players compared to their White counterparts.

Wilson and others have cited how companies are clamoring to be in business with Clark as an example of the disparity in how players are treated. Clark has struck a deal with Nike will reportedly pay her $28 million over eight years — making it the richest sponsorship contract for a women’s basketball player. 

WNBA's A'ja Wilson brings race into Caitlin Clark's popularity

Wilson emphasized that race is a significant factor in Clark's rise to fame, despite claims to the contrary.

"I think it's a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it's not about Black and White, but to me, it is," Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson said in an interview with the Associated Press about the race element in Clark's popularity.

"It really is because you can be top notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that's something that people don't want to see."

"They don't see it as marketable, so it doesn't matter how hard I work. It doesn't matter what we all do as Black women, we're still going to be swept underneath the rug. That's why it boils my blood when people say it's not about race because it is."

Sports rivalries can often be intensified when race becomes a factor, and Caitlin Clark's ascent to stardom has been accompanied by a level of on-court confidence that has captivated audiences.

Leading the Hawkeyes to consecutive NCAA championship game appearances, Clark's performances have made her a compelling figure in women's college basketball.

Her matchups against formidable opponents like former LSU star Angel Reese and the powerhouse South Carolina team led by coach Dawn Staley have generated considerable attention, drawing in viewers beyond the usual women's basketball audience.

"I would say me and Angel have always been great competitors," Clark said prior to Iowa's Elite Eight matchup with Reese and LSU in March.

"I think Angel would say the same, like it's not just us in women's basketball. That's not the only competitive thing about where our game is at, and that´s what makes it so good. We need multiple people to be really good."

The ongoing debate surrounding race-based perceptions in sports, particularly regarding perceived biases towards Black players or favoritism towards Clark, continues as she prepares for her debut in the WNBA.

As the top pick in the draft, all eyes will be on her as she takes to the court for her first regular-season game with the Indiana team against Connecticut.

"I think new fans, or maybe returning fans to women's college basketball, have been drawn in. In part because of Clark. But also, you know, because of the LSU-Iowa rivalry," said Victoria Jackson, a sports historian and clinical associate professor of history at Arizona State University.

"There are basketball reasons," Jackson said, "but also there are racial reasons for why Clark has been able to kind of break off into a completely different stratosphere from players that came before her."

Caitlin Clark receives overwhelming support amid A'ja Wilson's remarks

Amidst discussions sparked by WNBA star A'ja Wilson's remarks on race dynamics in basketball, Caitlin Clark continues to receive overwhelming support from fans and observers.

While some speculate that Clark may face resentment from teammates and the league as she secures major endorsement deals and garners attention, others see her success as a positive for the WNBA as a whole.

They argue that Clark's rising profile brings much-needed exposure to the league, potentially boosting opportunities for all players.

One user wrote, "Knew this would happen. She will get a lot of resentment from her teammates, and the rest of the league, the more deals she signs, and more attention she gets," while another wrote, "They should all be thrilled that Clark is getting big endorsements and bringing exposure to the WNBA. The WNBA has been floundering for years. Clark is bringing in new viewers and helping to mainstream the league that no one cared to watch. Clark's success will boost every player's success."

Another user wrote, "Jealously is ugly. Clark has done nothing wrong except to be born white."

One user wrote, "She is a good player, she wants to play, and she is unassuming. Simple as that. A sort of innocence that appeals to people that want to watch someone play and not make everything about them. Enough with the victim mentality."

"African American athletes, particularly basketball players, have some of the highest sponsorship earnings. Serena and Venus Williams often topped the female earning sponsorships at the height of their careers. Simone Biles is one of the most popular gymnasts. Angel ReeseIs also very popular. Clark is exciting because of her scoring records and overall shooting ability, plain and simple. It’s got nothing to do with race," a user said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.