The WNBA unveiled its 30th-anniversary commemorative poster on Wednesday, honoring the players who have shaped the league from its founding to the present.
The poster featured legends such as Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Becky Hammon, as well as current stars including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
Reporter Unveils the True Reason Behind Caitlin Clark’s Omission From the WNBA 30th Anniversary Poster
The poster has one glaring flaw. The league apparently failed to include Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, despite her bringing significant attention to the WNBA and breaking viewership records since her 2024 debut following a successful NCAA stint. Clark’s omission did not sit well with the WNBA community, and a reporter shed light on the controversy.
Cllct Media founder and former ESPN and CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell raised Clark’s omission from the WNBA’s 30th Anniversary Poster on his social media account. He revealed what could be the main reason Sophie Cunningham was included on the commemorative poster instead of the Fever’s top superstar.
“The reason why Caitlin is not on this poster is …. you ready? …. Caitlin Clark herself. Other than Nike, Clark allows licensees like WinCraft, who makes this to only use her name and number. Not her likeness,” Rovell commented. “Moving on … the ‘disrespect’ card was fun for a day.”
The reason why Caitlin is not on this poster is…. you ready? …. Caitlin Clark herself.
Other than Nike, Clark allows licensees like Wincraft, who makes this to only use her name and number.
Not her likeness.
Moving on… the “disrespect” card was fun for a day. pic.twitter.com/IPNxdUKT6N
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 25, 2026
The 24″ x 36″ poster, created by WinCraft and available at the WNBA Store for $29.99, features 20 players from different eras and the logos of all WNBA ballclubs.
Rovell’s post indicated that Clark’s NIL deal likely allowed the WNBA to use her name and number on merchandise but prohibited the WNBA from using her image.
The former top WNBA Draft pick has become an important figure in Indiana and across the WNBA. The Iowa standout combines shooting, edge, and leadership for a Fever team that remains among the league’s top teams and a top draw for basketball fans.
Various sports figures have reacted to Clark’s omission, including 2011 Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, who called the poster “RIDICULOUS” because images of former WNBA stars such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker, Elena Della Donne, Cynthia Cooper, and Sylvia Fowles were also absent.
The WNBA has yet to comment on the selection of images for the poster or the backlash that followed its publication.
