Congress asks WNBA to examine physicality in games involving star guard Caitlin Clark
Eleven Republican lawmakers have written to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert urging action on what they describe as excessive physical contact against Caitlin Clark, while the league reviews a recent flagrant-foul incident and has not yet responded.
The House Republican Study Committee sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert asking the league to address what the members characterize as repeated acts of physical hostility toward Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. The lawmakers, who said the issue has drawn millions of casual viewers, claim Clark has been "hip-checked, poked in the eye and struck in the throat" during games and argue that the league’s officiating has failed to hold players accountable.
The letter follows a June 24 game in which Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made fist contact with Clark’s throat. Although officials did not call a foul at the time, the league later upgraded the play to a flagrant foul and suspended Thomas for one game for "recklessly making contact with her fist."
"Millions of casual fans now tune in to watch her play," the letter states, adding that the incidents go "far beyond routine physical play."
League officials have not issued a public response to the congressional inquiry. The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice were suggested as possible investigators if discrimination or retaliation are found to be contributing to a hostile work environment.
Clark, a 24-year-old former Iowa star who was drafted first overall in 2024, has become a major draw for the WNBA, boosting ticket sales and television ratings. She acknowledged the pressure of the spotlight, saying, "I think sometimes people think I’m a robot. I’m not a robot," and noted that the scrutiny can be "frustrating."
The incident also sparked debate among players and coaches. Fever coach Stephanie White condemned the physicality, while former champion Candace Parker criticized a poll that ranked Clark 11th among league guards, calling the ranking "unacceptable."
Clark returned to action after missing two games with a back injury but was held out of the following night’s game in Phoenix as a precaution. She continues to draw attention for her on-court demeanor, having accumulated five technical fouls this season, the most in the league.
All-Star center Aliyah Boston said on a podcast that the team has decided to stop clapping after a recent technical foul, but the broader discussion about player safety and officiating is expected to continue as the league reviews the matter.