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The Indiana Fever have the honor of hosting this year’s WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Caitlin Clark is all but guaranteed to be there. Given her popularity and performance on the court this season, it seems like only a matter of time before her selection is made official.
Through seven games, the reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 19.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists.
On Friday, the WNBA released the first update on fan voting, and Clark led the way with a league-high 515,993 votes. She wasn’t the only Fever player on the list of 40 either, as Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, Damiris Dantas and DeWanna Bonner were also included.
After Saturday’s practice, Clark shared her reaction to being the current fan-vote leader.
"It is what it is," Clark said. "People get so hyped up over that, but that's not why you play the game. I think it's a fun way to get the fans involved and really passionate about All-Star, gets them excited, makes them feel involved. It's a fun aspect to have, but us as a player, that's not the reason you play, and it's really only 50% of the vote.
Clark also spoke about how many of her teammates are receiving support from fans as well.
"But it is cool, and it's also cool for me to see how much love my teammates also get," Clark said. "I think we had four in the top ten, so whether who ends up being an All-Star or not, it's still cool to see the type of love that you get from the fans."
As Clark pointed out, fan voting only makes up 50% of the total. Current players and a media panel each account for 25%.
The results will be announced closer to the game, which is scheduled for July 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
More must-reads:
- WNBA All-Star Game ratings paint a troubling picture
- Angel Reese continues to be a rare bright spot for the Sky
- The 'NBA all-time 50-point game leaders' quiz
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'No Such Thing As A WNBA': Caitlin Clark Called The ‘Only’ WNBA Talent That Matters By Tomi Lahren Amidst ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ Protest
Conservative announcer Tomi Lahren has spoken highly of Caitlin Clark previously and has controversially defended her at one point. After Saturday’s All-Star Game, Lahren dropped a blunt take on a social media post that basically iced out the entire WNBA talent pool in favor of Clark. The post, made by TMZ on Instagram, was, in fact, not about Clark at all. Instead, it was a clip where the Minnesota Lynx’s Courtney Williams confronted Grammy-winning DJ, Diplo, to change his EDM tunes into a party-friendly one. Diplo was first confused, but fulfilled Williams’ request. However, Lahren didn’t exactly like how TMZ captioned their post, calling Williams a “WNBA star.” In the post’s comments, the MAGA influencer wrote, “There is no such thing as a WNBA star except for Caitlin Clark.” Most conservatives, like Lahren, had clearly taken Caitlin Clark’s side. The Indiana Fever star’s undeniable impact on the league, ranging from staggering viewership and ticket sales to overall increased revenue, got the political world involved, recognizing she’s the engine behind the W. However, with Caitlin Clark, among other rising stars, helping the WNBA’s economy, players had also called to raise their pay, as shown during the recent CBA negotiations, which unfortunately, didn’t go their way. In response, the All-Stars, including Clark, who didn’t play due to her groin injury, wore the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirt before Saturday’s tip-off. Tomi Lahren defends Caitlin Clark amidst racism, rivalry issues Speaking on May 30’s episode of her show, Tomi Lahren didn’t just throw accusations, but slammed the WNBA for claiming they are being systematically biased against white players, especially the rising star, Caitlin Clark. For Lahren, the Indiana Fever star is being disrespected not just because of her game, but because she’s white and dominant. “So, I’m just going to say it: the WNBA is racist,” Lahren said. “I think it’s pretty obvious in the laundry list of evidence just keeps growing. Most noticeably, it’s the ongoing mistreatment of Caitlin Clark and the hostage statements she’s been all forced to put out apologizing for being white and, well, let’s be honest, being better than the black girls in the league.” Lahren also threw shots at how the WNBA handles Caitlin Clark’s spotlight, pointing to the league’s heavy focus on her season-opening clash with college rival Angel Reese as proof they’re trying to tone her down. She didn’t stop there — calling out figures like Jemele Hill, who, in her view, aren’t pushing for fairness but spinning race-driven stories that distort what’s really happening.
Matthew Stafford news highlights potential need for Rams
Matthew Stafford's latest injury raises concerns about the depth of the Los Angeles Rams' quarterback room. Stafford suffered a back injury last season, and it's bothering him again at training camp. Rams head coach Sean McVay said the medical concern will force the QB to miss five practices, but it's not season-ending. "He's been throwing, feeling good. It's not necessarily anything that's new. Something that he's dealt with before," the coach told the media. "Going into year 17, we were going to take a modified approach with him, kind of similar to what we did in the offseason program. And so we'll allow him to kind of just work off to the side, on his own, getting himself feeling as good as possible." Stafford's durability has already been waning. The 37-year-old QB missed eight games because of a spine injury and concussion during the 2022 season. The following season, he missed one game because of a right thumb injury. The Rams have a capable backup QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. He has a 43-21 starting record in the regular season in 11 years with the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots and Rams. Garoppolo, however, is injury-prone. He has battled foot, ankle, knee and shoulder issues over the course of his career. Rams QB Stetson Bennett — a fourth-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft — has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season game. Plenty of solid free-agent QBs are still available, including one-time Pro Bowler Carson Wentz. He would be a more trustworthy option than Bennett and already knows the Rams' system. The 2016 first-rounder played for the team during the 2023 season. The Rams hope to win their third Super Bowl after consecutive playoff appearances. Injuries at the most important position could derail their aspirations. McVay doesn't seem too concerned about Stafford's health, but L.A. should still consider adding another QB as a precaution.
Former GM Names Yankees Prospects Likely to Be Dealt by Deadline
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Ryan Reaves' Clear Opinion of Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews
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