Activist Malala Yousafzai Lifts Burden Off Caitlin Clark’s Shoulders over Political Stance

Indiana Fever superstar guard Caitlin Clark has unwillingly been a part of several race-based narratives in the WNBA.

Activist Malala Yousafzai Lifts Burden Off Caitlin Clark’s Shoulders over Political Stance

Malala Yousafzai and Caitlin Clark (Image via FirstSportz)

Ever since Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA, she has seen a lot of politically charged narratives being thrown around the league. Most of them are based on race and preferences, something that she did not want to talk about much as she focused on basketball.

However, as the season progressed, social media took two different sides when discussing matters in the WNBA. On one side were those who felt the ‘white girl’ was getting all the attention due to her skin color.

Then others argued that those complaining were plain jealous and trying to make something out of nothing. When Clark was bumped and had her eye poked, those supporting the jealousy argument felt they needed to support their superstar.

They responded by threatening players, both online as well as at games. As this developed, many players and fans called for Caitlin Clark to take a stand. The Indiana Fever star did, and it seemed to quell some of the noise. However, activist Malala Yousafzai believes she didn’t need to take a political stand.

I’ve been following the journey of amazing female athletes from Caitlin Clark to Ilona Maher. They have a huge impact without saying that much. I don’t think we need to ask them about every topic and issue. the fact that they are on the court is already changing perspectives.

Malala Yousafzai said on CNN

The Nobel Peace Prize winner believes that by showing out on the court, Clark and rugby star Ilona Maher are doing enough to promote women in sports and helping them find opportunities in life. That, she believes, is enough of a stand to not necessitate the need to opine on every political issue.

Caitlin Clark’s popularity nets 3 new teams to WNBA

When Caitlin Clark first came into the WNBA, there were 12 teams. Then the Golden State Valkyries joined the league this season as their 1st expansion franchise. Next season, two teams will join. One is the Toronto Tempo, and the other is a Portland-based team, the name of which is not yet decided.

The league had also invited bids for additional expansion teams. A record number of applications were filed out, and many investment groups featured prominent athletes, business people, as well as celebrities.

There was news that the 16th franchise was going to the Cleveland Cavaliers-led bid. However, league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert preferred to wait and announce the winning bid later during the season.

The WNBA finally confirmed that the Cleveland bid would be the 16th franchise and would begin play in the 2028 season. The following season, Detroit makes a return as the 17th franchise. It is unknown if they will bring back the championship-winning Shock of the early 2000s, but the city has a buzz around them.

Then, in 2030, Philadelphia, led by the 76ers’ ownership group, will look to commence operations. Their new arena will not be ready by then, but they hope to have everything under the common umbrella by 2031 at the most.

New teams coming in can ease the pressure off Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark is the biggest name in women’s sports and is wildly popular in sports as a whole. She has brought in millions of fans, most of whom are blamed for bringing race into the league. However, once the league starts expanding, it might help the Indiana Fever superstar.

Caitlin Clarks popularity is helping WNBA expand
Caitlin Clark’s popularity is helping WNBA expand (Image via Grace Smith/X)

24 players will be added to the league next season. If the upcoming CBA grants teams to have larger NBA-esque 15-player squads, the number will keep rising. That would mean more and more players would either come in from college or abroad.

Then, by 2030, at least another 36 players will be added to the league. All these additional players will lead to more balanced rosters. Issues of race and other cultural divides will start to reduce once more and more players come in.

Therefore, there should come a time when Caitlin Clark would not have to answer for all the problems the WNBA faces. Teams will be equipped to handle these issues on their own. That will help the Iowa native to do what she loves doing the most, play basketball.

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