NBC Sports’ Natalie Esquire weighed in on the WNBA MVP conversation involving the Minnesota Lynx’s “stacked” team, Indiana Fever stars Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, and several other top contenders.
Esquire’s argument centered on the attention being given to Indiana’s MVP contenders while Minnesota continues to dominate the league, a stance that drew reactions from the WNBA world.
Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell’s MVP Hopes Spark Heated WNBA Debate After Analyst’s Criticism
Esquire opened her fan engagement by joining the All-WNBA discussion. She pushed back against the idea that Minnesota’s loaded roster, led by Olivia Miles, Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride, could not have all three players receive recognition.
The two-time Sports Emmy Award-winning producer then turned her attention to Indiana, questioning the idea that multiple Fever players should receive major individual honors.
Esquire urged them to “Just please stop with the bad faith arguments” because she’s had enough of them.
The Lynx are “stacked” and probably won’t even get 3 All-W spots but the team with two MVPs apparently and another All-W player is what?
Just please stop with bad faith arguments. I’m tired of them.
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) August 28, 2026
The podcaster also mocked Indiana’s “MVP2” campaign, which promotes both Mitchell and Clark for the award. That post quickly drew reactions from WNBA fans.
“I said all along they were going to cancel each other out of it,” a WNBA observer wrote.
I said all along they were going to cancel each other out of it
— Zach Paschal (@zlpaschal) August 28, 2026
“Let’s be real, they want to say it’s CC. She’s who they view as the money maker, which is why they didn’t sign KM to a longer contract. They can’t because it’s pretty obvious that CC is not MVP material when every combo stat and on-off rating has her negative or not even top-10,” another WNBA observer added.
“Would you like them to just say, ‘ No, we don’t want any of our players to win?!? Aww (expletive) it give it to someone else! Dumb take,” a Boston sports supporter reacted.
Unsurprisingly, Indiana supporters had their own perspective on the debate.
“Indy fan here. Honestly not mad about the co-mvp campaign! The chances of either one getting that award are so slim w/ how A’ja and Liv have been playing; plus Kels and CC have put together one of the greatest seasons offensively by a backcourt ever (!!!),” a hoops enthusiast tweeted.
Indy fan here. Honestly not mad about the co-mvp campaign! The chances of either one getting that award are so slim w/ how A’ja and Liv have been playing; plus Kels and CC have put together one of the greatest seasons offensively by a backcourt ever (!!!)
— lucy (@lucyjohnston_7) August 28, 2026
“The first point guard in the 30yr history of the WNBA to ever average 20 & 8 is the one clearing the other,” a diehard Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Fever supporter wrote.
The first point guard in the 30yr history of the WNBA to ever average 20 & 8 is the one clearing the other
— NapTown4200 (@NAPTOWN4200) August 28, 2026
For Esquire, the bigger issue is the contrast between the attention Indiana’s stars are receiving and Minnesota’s accomplishments as a team. The Lynx lead the WNBA with a 31-8 record and went 22-6 while perennial MVP contender Napheesa Collier recovered from surgeries.
“The Lynx have the best net rating in the league (10.4) and have a 6-game lead over the Fever, whose net rating is 6.8 comparatively. And you’re telling me players on the 5th seed have a stronger MVP argument,” the sports analyst wrote.
She’s top 2. But for A’ja being A’ja the award would likely be hers.
The Lynx have the best net rating in the league (10.4) and have a 6-game lead over the Fever whose net rating is 6.8 comparatively. And you’re telling me players on the 5th seed have a stronger MVP argument. https://t.co/S61fkenNZV
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) August 28, 2026
Esquire also stressed that Miles, the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, sits No. 2 in her MVP ranking behind A’ja Wilson, whom she believes will win the award again.
The debate ultimately comes down to what voters value most.
Clark and Mitchell have put together compelling offensive seasons, but Minnesota’s record and dominance give its players an equally strong case for recognition.
With Wilson still the favorite and Miles, Clark, and Mitchell in the conversation, the MVP race remains wide open.
