Caitlin Clark (Photo By Grace Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Caitlin Clark has barely finished her rookie season, but the noise around her just keeps growing louder.

After a fantastic debut year with the Indiana Fever, fans expected her to be at the very top of ESPN’s preseason rankings. Instead, she landed at No. 4, and social media wasted no time letting the network hear about it.

The 2025 WNBA season tips off May 16, and Clark is set to return to the court following a historic rookie campaign. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, earned All-Star honors, made first-team All-WNBA, and even cracked the MVP conversation with a strong second-half push.

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou praised her growth, writing, “Clark dazzled as a rookie… finishing fourth in MVP voting.” Despite all that, ESPN still ranked three players ahead of her: A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart- all veteran stars with loaded resumes.

Fans Aren’t Buying It

Caitlin ClarkCaitlin Clark (Photo via Imagn Images)
Clark’s fans did not hold back. As soon as ESPN released the rankings, comments flooded social media, many accusing the network of disrespecting the young star.

One fan wrote, “CC is the WNBA.”

While another added, “Was the clear best player for the last 20 games last year.”

The sentiment echoed across platforms, with one user bluntly stating, “ESPN don’t even watch the WNBA.”

Supporters pointed to Clark’s second-half surge and her impact on the league’s visibility. “CC is everything to the WNBA. Without HER the W would be in the junkyard as it was before her,” one post read. Others argued that her influence went far beyond the stat sheet, citing packed arenas and record-breaking TV ratings during Fever games.

Still, ESPN’s panel, which included Kendra Andrews, Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel, stood by their decision. They considered not only last season’s performance but also offseason activity, including standout showings in the Unrivaled exhibition series. Clark may be entering just her second year, but the panel weighed experience heavily, which likely tipped the scales in favor of the established trio above her.

For Clark, the debate won’t mean much once the ball goes up next week. With a new coach in Stephanie White and fresh talent joining the Fever, she’s ready to build on last year’s momentum. Whether she’s ranked No. 4 or No. 1, fans will be watching closely, and they’ll be ready to speak up.