For WNBA fans, the drama isn’t just on the court. Caitlin Clark supporters were left fuming after noticing the stark difference in how the league treated her versus Paige Bueckers when announcing the rookie of the year.
The controversy has reignited debates about favoritism and respect for the league’s top stars.
Clark’s Announcement Came Via Phone
Back in 2024, Caitlin Clark received the WNBA rookie of the year honor in a low-key manner.
Commissioner Cathy Englebert called Clark during an Indiana Fever practice, with the conversation taking place on speakerphone for her teammates to hear.
While Clark appreciated the recognition, fans felt the moment lacked the fanfare a superstar like her deserved.
Bueckers Gets a Star Treatment
Fast forward to this year, and Bueckers was given a completely different experience.
She was surprised at the end of the viral ‘Spirit Tunnel’ during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where staffers serenaded her to the stage with personalized lyrics.
At the end of the tunnel, Commissioner Englebert was waiting in person to hand her the trophy, making for a highly public and celebratory moment.
Fans Cry Foul Over Disparity
The difference did not go unnoticed. Many Clark fans took to social media to voice their disappointment.
One wrote, “Has a league ever treated their biggest star worse than Caitlin Clark got treated?” Another added, “Cathy didn’t even FaceTime Caitlin last year… just a team call on speaker, wow.”
Supporters criticized the league’s apparent attempt to minimize Clark’s spotlight, citing even the differences in award merchandise designs as evidence.
Context Behind the Announcements
Some suggest that logistics played a role. Last year, the Fever were in the postseason, while the Dallas Wings—Bueckers’ team—did not make the playoffs in 2025.
Englebert may have chosen a simpler announcement for Clark to avoid disrupting playoff preparations.
Still, fans argue the explanation doesn’t excuse the disparity in recognition.
Voting and Rookie of the Year Stats
Clark dominated the voting for her rookie year, securing 66 of 67 votes, while Bueckers’ 2025 win came with 65 votes.
Washington Mystics star Sonia Citron received the remaining two.
Bueckers also becomes the fourth consecutive No. 1 overall draft pick to claim rookie of the year, following Rhyne Howard in 2022.
Clark’s Sophomore Season and Fever’s Postseason Hopes
Clark’s sophomore season was marred by injuries, causing her to miss much of the action.
Even so, Fever fans have reasons to celebrate, including their recent playoff victory over the Atlanta Dream—marking the franchise’s first postseason win since 2016.
Despite the award controversy, the team and its star remain central to Indiana’s WNBA story.
What’s Next
As Clark recovers from injuries and continues her stellar career, fans are hopeful that the league will recognize her contributions appropriately in the future.
Meanwhile, Bueckers’ win and the media spotlight on rookie announcements show just how much attention these rising stars attract.