Caitlin Clark Reacts to WNBA Players Ranking Her 9th in All-Star Vote: “That’s Not Why You Play the Game”

Published: July 10, 2025

🏀 Overview

Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who led all players in fan votes for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, has broken her silence following headlines that her fellow players ranked her only 9th among guards. While fans rallied behind her in overwhelming numbers, many were surprised to learn that within the league, peer respect appears divided. Caitlin Clark’s response? Graceful, composed, and focused on what really matters.

📊 The Voting Breakdown

The WNBA All-Star voting system weights contributions from three groups:

50% Fans
25% Media
25% Players

Caitlin Clark received over 1.3 million fan votes, the most of any player this year—cementing her status as a fan favorite. Media members ranked her 3rd overall. However, it was the players’ vote that raised eyebrows: Clark was ranked 9th among guards, leading to widespread commentary, speculation, and disappointment among her supporters.

Despite this, her composite score secured her a spot as an All-Star starter and co-captain of Team WNBA.

🗣️ Caitlin’s Reaction: Grace Under Pressure

Rather than fuel the growing narrative of resentment or betrayal, Caitlin responded with maturity. Speaking to reporters after the results were released, she said:

“That’s not why you play the game. I think it’s great to have the fan support, it’s fun for the league. But at the end of the day, I’m here to play, to grow, and to win.”

“People are entitled to their opinions. I respect everyone in this league. I’m just here to do my job.”

Her answer quickly trended online, with many praising her sportsmanship and composure, especially under intense scrutiny.

🔥 Public and Media Response

The discrepancy between fan votes and player votes ignited reactions across social and traditional media.

Dick Vitale, a long-time college basketball analyst, criticized the players’ rankings:

“Pure jealousy… She’s good for the league, she’s humble, and she’s getting punished for being successful?”

Colin Cowherd, Fox Sports host, echoed similar sentiments:

“This vote wasn’t about basketball. It was about protecting egos. She’s generating money, filling arenas, and they don’t like it.”

Even LeBron James chimed in, reposting a tweet defending Clark and calling her a “game-changer.”

🧠 What This Might Really Mean

The WNBA is experiencing growing pains as it enters a new era of visibility. Caitlin Clark brings in:

Record-breaking TV ratings
Massive social media engagement
New sponsorships and corporate attention

Her presence—and the attention she brings—may be unsettling for some veterans who feel overlooked or overshadowed.

Potential Factors Behind the Vote:

Competitive tension with other rookies or veterans
Locker room politics and unwritten “respect rules”
Resistance to what some perceive as media overhype

👀 Clark’s Continued Rise

Despite the voting friction, Caitlin continues to impress on the court. Her stats for the Indiana Fever speak volumes:

Points per game: 16.9
Assists per game: 7.1
3-point shooting: 37%
Rookie of the Month – Twice in a row

She’s also been praised by teammates for her work ethic, humility, and willingness to learn.

💬 Fan Base Rallies Behind Her

Across the country, fans have expressed solidarity with Clark.

“You may not vote for her, but you can’t ignore her.”
“9th to you, but 1st in our hearts.”

Signs like “#TeamClark” and “Haters Watch Her Win” have appeared at Fever games and trended across TikTok and Twitter.

🗓️ What’s Next: The All-Star Game

Clark will co-captain Team WNBA alongside Napheesa Collier in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, set for July 19 in Indianapolis—Clark’s home court.

She is expected to lead one of the most-watched All-Star games in league history, with tickets and merch sales already breaking records.

✅ Final Take

Caitlin Clark’s reaction to the internal league voting speaks volumes—not just about her character, but about where the WNBA is heading. While tensions around legacy, identity, and market value continue to surface, Clark remains focused on what matters most: her game, her growth, and her impact on the sport.

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