In a surprising twist that has sparked even more conversation around the WNBA, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has come forward with strong words of support for Caitlin Clark, the league’s rising star. Known as “The Great One” in the hockey world, Gretzky likened Clark’s impact on women’s basketball to his own in the NHL — a powerful endorsement from one GOAT to another.

Speaking during a live event, Gretzky praised Clark for her influence both on and off the court. “Look at Caitlin Clark — how she’s taken over the country, maybe even the world,” he said. “She’s encouraging so many young girls to get involved in sports. That’s what it’s all about.”

Clark, who recently suffered a quad injury and will be sidelined for at least two weeks, has been the center of WNBA attention since her debut. From record-breaking viewership numbers to sold-out arenas, her presence has transformed the league in ways no player has before. Even in her absence, headlines continue to follow her, from social media controversies to speculative criticism.

Most recently, Clark was photographed holding her assistant’s biracial son, which bizarrely triggered a wave of online backlash. Some accused her of making a statement or engaging in “performative allyship” — an accusation many fans and commentators have dismissed as absurd. Critics were quick to draw comparisons to a previous moment involving A’ja Wilson, who also held a baby during a public appearance. But the context was very different — Clark’s connection to the child is personal and longstanding.

Supporters argue that the controversy says more about the underlying resentment toward Clark’s rapid rise than anything else. “It’s not about the baby — it’s about people being uncomfortable with her success,” one fan wrote on social media. Others have taken it further, suggesting that race plays a key role in the vitriol Clark receives.

“She’s the most popular and impactful player the WNBA has ever seen,” one commentator said in a now-viral clip. “And she’s being treated like a problem — simply because she’s white. That’s the uncomfortable truth people don’t want to face.”

While such opinions remain controversial, they reflect a growing sentiment that Clark’s meteoric rise has created a rift within the league and its fanbase. Some WNBA veterans and current players have been accused of downplaying her success or failing to publicly support her in the face of aggressive play and questionable officiating.

The physical toll on Clark has also become a focal point. In multiple games, she’s been seen getting shoved, hacked, and knocked to the floor without drawing fouls — actions that many feel wouldn’t be tolerated if they were directed at other star players. The silence from the league in response has been deafening, according to fans and analysts alike.

Despite all the chaos, Clark continues to handle the spotlight with poise. She hasn’t fired back on social media or made any dramatic statements. Her focus remains on basketball. She’s averaging over 19 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds per game — statistics that put her in elite company even among WNBA veterans.

Her absence from the lineup has also highlighted just how valuable she is to the league. Ticket prices for upcoming games have dropped by more than 70% in some cities. Resale platforms are struggling to move seats that were selling for triple digits just days before. One family reportedly canceled a $3,000 trip after learning Clark wouldn’t be playing.

Wayne Gretzky’s support couldn’t have come at a better time. His words serve as a reminder of what Clark represents — not just for women’s basketball, but for sports as a whole. “You learn how to win, and how to get back up when you lose,” he said. “That’s what life is about.”

The WNBA now faces a defining moment. Will it continue to downplay or ignore the very player that has brought it to national prominence? Or will it protect and promote her the way the NBA once did for its superstars?

What’s clear is that Caitlin Clark isn’t just a player — she’s a movement. She’s brought millions of new eyes to the sport, inspired a new generation of athletes, and challenged the league to evolve. The WNBA must decide whether it wants to fight that change — or build around it.

As Clark recovers from injury, the league will get a glimpse of what life looks like without her on the court. Early signs suggest it’s not promising. The question now is: when she returns, will the WNBA finally give her the respect and protection she deserves?

Because make no mistake — without Caitlin Clark, the lights may dim once again.