Sports broadcasting legend Dan Patrick has never been one to hold back his opinions—and this week, he dropped one of his most talked-about takes yet. During a recent segment on The Dan Patrick Show, the veteran host issued a blunt warning to the WNBA: don’t take Caitlin Clark for granted.

In Patrick’s view, Clark isn’t just another star athlete—she’s the league’s lifeline. “The WNBA needs Caitlin Clark more than she needs them,” Patrick declared. “She’s done more to elevate the league in one season than anyone has in twenty years.”

That statement might sound dramatic, but the numbers back him up. Since Clark’s debut, the WNBA has seen record-breaking attendance, sold-out arenas, and unprecedented TV ratings. Her games consistently outperform the league average by wide margins, and her jersey sales shattered all previous rookie records. In short, Caitlin Clark has turned women’s basketball into must-watch television.

But Patrick’s message carried a warning tone—one aimed squarely at the WNBA leadership. “They’ve got to protect her, support her, and build around her,” he said. “If they don’t, someone else will.”

His comments come amid growing concerns that the league hasn’t done enough to nurture Clark’s influence or capitalize on her global appeal. While she’s become the face of the WNBA almost overnight, some critics believe the league’s structure and internal politics could actually hold her back.

Patrick argued that Clark’s value extends far beyond her stat line. “She’s not just a player,” he said. “She’s a movement. She brings in fans who’ve never watched a WNBA game before. She’s made people care.”

He’s not wrong. Clark’s impact has transcended basketball. Her games draw celebrities, her interviews go viral, and her name trends daily across social media. She’s brought a new generation of viewers—especially young girls—to the sport. Her style of play, confidence, and accessibility have turned her into something the league hasn’t had in decades: a cultural phenomenon.

But with fame comes friction. Clark has faced criticism and tough physical play from opponents, as well as tension within the league about her rapid rise. Patrick acknowledged those challenges, saying, “When you’ve got a star like Caitlin, there’s always going to be pushback. But the league has to manage it the right way. She’s too important to ignore.”

His warning echoes the sentiment of many fans who’ve voiced frustration over how the WNBA has handled its brightest new star. While the league has benefited financially from her arrival, some feel it hasn’t done enough to protect or promote her fairly.

Patrick’s commentary also touched on a deeper truth about the business of sports: talent drives everything. “You don’t find players like Caitlin Clark every decade,” he said. “She’s the kind of player who can lift an entire league. But if she ever decided to walk away, the WNBA would feel it immediately.”

Indeed, rumors of international offers and brand deals worth millions have already surfaced, suggesting Clark’s market value stretches far beyond her current WNBA salary. If she ever decided to take her talents elsewhere, it would be a devastating blow to the league’s growing popularity.

Still, Patrick ended his segment on a hopeful note. “The WNBA’s got something special right now,” he said. “They just need to realize it—and build the future around it.”

Fans online have echoed his words, flooding social media with clips of the segment and praise for Patrick’s candor. “Finally someone said it,” one fan wrote. “Caitlin Clark is carrying the league on her back. The WNBA better appreciate her before it’s too late.”

Whether the league will take that advice remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark has changed everything about women’s basketball—and according to Dan Patrick, the WNBA’s future may depend on how it treats her next.