Billie Jean King, a pioneer in women’s tennis, sees Caitlin Clark’s rise in the WNBA as a pivotal moment for the league, drawing increased attention with each game the Indiana Fever rookie plays.

On Tuesday, King expressed her hope that the WNBA would prioritize protecting its stars, referencing an incident involving Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever during a game against the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Initially deemed a common violation, a hard foul against Clark was later upgraded to a flagrant-1, prompting concerns about player safety and fair treatment.

Billie Jean King at Fever-Liberty 

Billie Jean King attends the game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty on May 18, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

“This generation holds immense significance for the WNBA; it’s vital to set a positive example,” King emphasized. “Kids are watching, and your actions shape the league’s legacy. This is your opportunity to ignite the league with excellence. Let’s not tarnish it with animosity. Just focus on playing the game.”

“The WNBA has seen incredible talent over the years, from Maya Moore to Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, among others,” King shared with the newspaper. “But this year, Caitlin Clark is turning heads. Breaking college records, her No. 22 jerseys everywhere—it’s a game-changer. The WNBA and women’s sports are thriving with packed arenas and heightened interest. Now, we must sustain this momentum.”

“WNBA players expressing strong opinions about Caitlin Clark could be just what the league needs,” suggests this commentary.

Billie Jean-King at the Australian Open

Billie Jean King reacts during the semi-final on Day 12 of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.

“Love her or not, Caitlin is undeniably driving much of this excitement. She’s a true superstar, and her success uplifts everyone. With her and the rest of the rookie class, the league is poised for unprecedented growth. While the veterans laid the foundation, Caitlin and her peers now have the opportunity to elevate the WNBA to unprecedented heights.”King recounted her experience when Chris Evert burst onto the tennis scene at 16, emphasizing the importance of veteran players welcoming the increased attention to the sport. She ensured Evert was treated fairly during that time.

Currently, the WNBA’s dynamic with Clark is a hot topic in television discussions.

Caitlin Clark looks on

Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, looks on during the game against the New York Liberty during the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup game on June 2, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York.