ESPN reporter Holly Rowe faced backlash after emotionally celebrating a sold-out crowd during Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA game in Canada, but failing to mention the 24-year-old star.
Clark’s star power was one of the primary driving forces behind the historic turnout during Toronto Tempo’s loss to the Indiana Fever.
ESPN Analyst Criticized for Ignoring Caitlin Clark’s Impact In Selling Out Toronto Arena
Clark’s star power has redefined the WNBA, drawing packed arenas and record-shattering viewership wherever she goes. Her trip north to face the Toronto Tempo was no exception.
It marked her very first professional game in Canada. Demand was so extraordinary that organizers moved the matchup to the 19,000-plus-seat Scotiabank Arena, where tickets almost sold out within hours of going on sale.
Social media was already buzzing about the undeniable “Caitlin Clark Effect” leading up to tip-off.
During the broadcast, Rowe got visibly emotional, taking in the atmosphere. She was marveling at how far women’s basketball has come to fill a massive NBA arena in Toronto.
“I keep crying because of what they have done,” she said emotionally.
However, her sentimental moment didn’t land well with everyone online. A popular sports X account quickly called out the broadcast, slamming Rowe for ignoring the obvious main attraction in the building, Clark, writing:
“This might perfectly summarize WNBA media coverage. Holly Rowe is crying tears of joy over a packed arena in Toronto… while somehow failing to mention THE WOMAN EVERYBODY CAME TO SEE. Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA game in Canada. Packed house. And still they twist themselves into pretzels rather than simply saying: Thank you, Caitlin.”
This might perfectly summarize WNBA media coverage.
Holly Rowe is crying tears of joy over a packed arena in Toronto…
while somehow failing to mention THE WOMAN EVERYBODY CAME TO SEE.
Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA game in Canada.
Packed house.
And still they twist themselves… pic.twitter.com/sh8EBcmSin
— Sports Patriot (@SportsPatriotUS) August 19, 2026
Ironically, when a reporter asked Clark about her legacy before the match, the Fever star offered a far more humble perspective. She explained that she doesn’t care about scoring records or stats, hoping instead that people remember how she brought them together to love the game.
“And I hope you know when I’m done playing one day, that’s what people remember the most about me is the way I’ve been able to unite people to cheer on basketball and love a game, or bring people together to you know love a sport in a way that they’ve maybe never have before,” Clark said.
On the court, Clark backed up that legacy with an absolute show, dropping 24 points and 7 assists to lead Indiana to a 101-95 victory. Alongside Kelsey Mitchell, she set a new WNBA record for the most combined 20-point games by a duo in a single season.
Between the historic Canadian turnout and another clutch performance, Clark proved once again why she remains the biggest attraction in the sport.
