Indiana Fever Fans Furious After WNBA Players Disrespect Caitlin Clark by Voting Her Only the Ninth-Best Guard in the League

The Caitlin Clark discourse refuses to die down, and this time, it’s Indiana Fever fans leading the charge after the latest development sparked fresh outrage. The controversy erupted when the results of a recent anonymous player poll were leaked, revealing that WNBA players voted Clark as only the ninth-best guard in the league. For many Fever fans, it wasn’t just a snub—it was an outright insult.

Clark, the most hyped rookie the league has seen in decades and arguably the face of women’s basketball right now, has been under the microscope ever since she declared for the WNBA Draft. The former Iowa superstar captivated the nation with her record-breaking performances, electrifying deep-range shooting, and the charisma to match. Her presence alone has transformed Fever games into must-watch events, and attendance has skyrocketed across the league when Indiana is on the schedule.

But despite her enormous popularity and undeniable impact on ticket sales, merchandise, and media exposure, it seems some of her peers are far from impressed. The players’ poll results confirmed what many suspected: there’s tension between the league’s rising star and its established veterans. Clark being voted ninth among guards is a reflection of that divide—and fans in Indiana aren’t having it.

Social media exploded as soon as the rankings leaked. Fever supporters flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and message boards with posts defending Clark’s abilities and questioning the motives behind the votes. Many believe the ranking isn’t based on basketball merit alone, but rather simmering jealousy, resentment, or a response to the overwhelming attention Clark commands.

“Caitlin Clark is literally saving this league, and this is how the players treat her? Ninth? Get real,” one fan posted on X, echoing the sentiments of thousands who feel the ranking disrespects not only Clark but the Fever franchise itself.

Clark’s on-court numbers, though typical of a rookie adjusting to the pro game, still showcase the immense promise that had scouts, analysts, and fans alike buzzing. She’s among the league leaders in assists, has improved her scoring efficiency, and already demonstrated her signature range that stretches defenses well beyond the three-point arc. Her playmaking has revitalized an Indiana team that struggled for relevance in recent seasons.

Despite that, established WNBA guards like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, and Sabrina Ionescu ranked ahead of her, which many fans expected. However, seeing Clark land as low as ninth, behind players some argue haven’t had nearly the same statistical impact or league-changing presence, felt like a slap in the face to Fever supporters.

The backlash has highlighted an ongoing tension in the WNBA between the old guard and the new wave of stars entering the league. Clark, alongside other highly-touted rookies like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, has brought unprecedented attention to the sport. The league is experiencing record TV ratings, merchandise sales, and ticket demand, much of it driven by the rookies’ college stardom carrying over to the pros.

Yet, not everyone in the league seems thrilled about the sudden spotlight on newcomers—especially Clark, whose polarizing style and massive following have made her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Some veteran players have been vocal in recent weeks, whether directly or indirectly, about Clark needing to “earn her stripes” and adjust to the physicality of the league.

Those sentiments were apparent earlier this season when Clark found herself on the receiving end of hard fouls, verbal barbs, and relentless defensive pressure. Though Clark has handled the spotlight with relative poise, the relentless scrutiny—from media narratives to locker room whispers—has been impossible to ignore.

For Fever fans, the league-wide treatment of Clark, culminating in her ranking as the ninth-best guard by her peers, feels less like tough love and more like blatant disrespect. They argue that Clark’s impact off the court is unmatched, and her game continues to evolve with every contest. Even if she’s not yet an MVP candidate, many believe her sheer talent and the immediate turnaround she’s sparked in Indiana deserve more respect.

It’s not just fans rallying behind Clark either. Broadcasters, analysts, and former players have weighed in, with some questioning the motives behind the rankings. ESPN analyst Monica McNutt pointed out the “clear divide” among players and emphasized the importance of balancing respect for veterans with acknowledgment of new stars’ contributions.

“She’s selling out arenas, bringing eyes to the league, and her game is already translating at a high level,” McNutt said during a recent segment. “To vote her ninth—whether it’s about game performance or something else—it sends a message. The question is, what message does the league want to send right now?”

That message, whether intentional or not, has created a firestorm. The Fever organization hasn’t officially commented on the poll, but Clark’s teammates have publicly backed her throughout the season, emphasizing her work ethic and willingness to learn despite the immense pressure.

In typical Clark fashion, she has refused to engage in the drama, focusing instead on her game and helping Indiana climb the standings. Her recent performances—highlighted by improved scoring, flashy assists, and undeniable court vision—indicate that she’s tuning out the noise and letting her play do the talking.

Still, for Fever fans, the ranking remains a sticking point and a symbol of the challenges Clark faces as she navigates life as both a rookie and a global phenomenon. They believe the league should be embracing her impact, not downplaying it through peer polls that seem rooted in personal biases.

“You don’t have to love her, but you can’t deny what she’s doing for this league,” another fan wrote online. “Without Caitlin Clark, half these arenas are half-empty. The league owes her some respect.”

The WNBA has been riding a wave of unprecedented growth, and Caitlin Clark is undeniably a key reason behind that. But as the player poll controversy shows, the league’s internal dynamics remain complex. The respect battle—between veterans guarding their turf and rookies carving out their space—is far from over.

For now, Indiana Fever fans will continue to show up, sell out arenas, and defend their star, confident that Caitlin Clark will prove her worth on the court—regardless of how her peers choose to rank her. If history is any indication, Clark tends to thrive when counted out, and this latest slight might just add more fuel to the fire.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Clark—not just for her dazzling deep shots or highlight-reel passes—but to see how she navigates the pressure, the politics, and the inevitable growing pains of being both the league’s biggest draw and its most controversial rookie.

What remains clear is that Caitlin Clark isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the conversation surrounding her place among the WNBA’s best. Whether ninth-best or first in the hearts of Fever fans, Clark’s presence is reshaping women’s basketball—and the players, fans, and league alike will have to adjust.