Story perspectives

WNBA Suspends Thomas, Clark Demands Officiating Reform, Skips Game

7/4/2026

Summary

Clark Condemns Abuse

The WNBA ruled a flagrant-2 foul on Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for the June 24, 2026 incident with Fever guard Caitlin Clark, suspended Thomas a game and fined $1,000.
Clark said officiating must improve, condemned harassment toward Thomas—including death threats and racial slurs—and urged the league and media to protect players from abuse.
Clark announced she will miss the July 5, 2026 Fever game against the Las Vegas Aces because of a back injury.

Summary

Clark Breaks Records

Caitlin Clark was named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for June, her second honor after August 2024.
She became the fastest to 1,000 points and 500 assists and set a record with six consecutive 20-point, five-assist games.
Clark’s jersey sales have surpassed LeBron James, making her the WNBA’s top-selling player.
The league omitted her likeness from its 30th-anniversary poster, citing licensing rules that permit only her name and number.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA was founded in 1996 by the NBA and began play in 1997 with eight teams; NBC televised the inaugural New York Liberty–Los Angeles Sparks game on June 21, 1997, earning a 3.8 overnight rating. In July 2024 Comcast announced an eleven-year rights agreement returning NBC to the league in 2026. Those early media-league tensions resurface today as players confront visibility and compensation issues.

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Clark Condemns Abuse

The WNBA ruled a flagrant-2 foul on Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for the June 24, 2026 incident with Fever guard Caitlin Clark, suspended Thomas a game and fined $1,000.
Clark said officiating must improve, condemned harassment toward Thomas—including death threats and racial slurs—and urged the league and media to protect players from abuse.
Clark announced she will miss the July 5, 2026 Fever game against the Las Vegas Aces because of a back injury.

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