“What's wrong with them??”: Chris Evert questions WNBA's silence after Caitlin Clark's Forbes recognition
ATP
Chris Evert has questioned the WNBA's response to Caitlin Clark's growing influence in women's sports, arguing that the league should be celebrating the Indiana Fever star rather than overlooking her impact.
The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion reacted on social media after a discussion about Clark's recognition by Forbes reignited criticism from fans who believe the WNBA has not fully embraced its most influential player.
The debate centres on whether the league has done enough to acknowledge Clark's commercial and cultural impact since she entered the WNBA in 2024. Her arrival attracted significant attention to women's basketball, and some fans believe the league should be more vocal in celebrating the player who has helped bring new audiences to the sport.
Chris Evert questions WNBA's treatment of Caitlin Clark
The discussion gained traction after a fan questioned why the WNBA had not publicly acknowledged Clark's influence following her recognition by Forbes.
Evert joined the criticism with a blunt response, making clear that she believes the league should be celebrating the basketball star rather than remaining silent.
“What's wrong with them???” the former world No. 1 wrote on her X account.
@EspBen24 what's wrong with them???😡
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 16, 2026
Evert also reacted to another post about Clark's standing in women's sports, reinforcing her position on how the league should approach its biggest star.
“The WNBA should be celebrating her…”
The comments are consistent with Evert's previous support for Clark. The American tennis great had already defended the basketball player in 2024 after Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson questioned TIME's decision to name Clark its Athlete of the Year, arguing that the entire WNBA deserved recognition.
@CCFromTheLogo The WNBA should be celebrating her…💃💃💃
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 13, 2026
The Forbes discussion also requires some clarification. Viral posts described Clark as the most powerful female athlete in the world, but Forbes placed her fourth on its 2025 list of America's Most Powerful Women in Sports, published in October 2025. She was the highest-ranked active athlete on the list, which also included team owners and business executives.
Forbes highlighted Clark's commercial influence, including endorsement partnerships with Nike, Wilson and Gatorade, alongside her impact on women's basketball. Her rise from a record-breaking college career at Iowa to becoming one of the WNBA's most recognizable players has made her a central figure in the sport's growing profile.
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Evert has considerable experience in the fight for recognition in women's sport. The former world No. 1 won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and helped establish women's tennis as one of the leading draws in professional sport. Her comments carry the perspective of an athlete who competed during a period when women's sport was still fighting for greater visibility.
Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2024 and earned All-WNBA First Team honours in her debut season. Her influence extends beyond individual accolades, with her arrival helping attract increased attention to the league.
Evert's latest reaction reflects the view that the WNBA should actively embrace that influence. While the viral claim about Forbes overstated Clark's position in the ranking, the wider debate over how the league recognizes its most prominent player remains.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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