Amid the ongoing controversy over the physical style of defense some opposition teams adopt against Caitlin Clark, several US congressmen have written to the WNBA, demanding answers about how the league is treating its biggest star.
Members of Congress Demand Answers From the WNBA Over Caitlin Clark Treatment
Since being drafted into the WNBA, Clark has had to face aggressive defending from opposition teams. Some teams feel that this is the best way to stop the talented Clark in her tracks. This issue came into the spotlight last month when Clark took a punch to the throat from Alyssa Thomas.
The controversy became a major talking point, drawing reactions from several sports figures and even President Donald Trump. The WNBA later upgraded the incident to a Flagrant Foul 2, and even handed Thomas a one-game suspension.
Now, several members of the U.S. Congress have written to the WNBA, seeking answers on the “hostility and violence” faced by the Indiana Fever superstar on the court.
The letter was shared by swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines on social media and included a list of questions from the congressmen to the WNBA. It also called for the league to take swift action to address the issue.
“What is your review mechanism for physical hostility and violence on the court? How will you hold players accountable for overly aggressive actions on the court, including towards Caitlin Clark? What steps are you taking to protect WNBA players from online harassment and off the court threats?” The letter read.
Finally, some adults in the room. Thank you to these Republican Members of Congress for holding the @WNBA accountable on the disgusting treatment of Caitlin Clark. She’s been the subject of targeted violence.
Protect your athletes or stop pretending to care about women’s sports. pic.twitter.com/inHBdECp2y
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 8, 2026
The letter also demanded that the WNBA do a better job of protecting Clark, calling out officials for failing to recognize the “physical hostility and violence” she faces on the court.
Signatories for the letter included Congressman August Pfluger, Congressman Zach Nunn, Congressman Mark Alford, as well as Congresswomen Sheri Biggs and Victoria Spartz.
MORE: When Will Caitlin Clark Return? Latest Injury Update and Return Timeline for the Fever Superstar
Despite the physical defending against her, Clark is enjoying another impressive year on the court, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. She is currently the fourth-highest scorer in the WNBA.
Clark has been sidelined with a back injury since the Fever-Mercury game on June 24. After missing the last two games, the 24-year-old could make her return to the Fever starting lineup when they take on the LA Sparks later tonight (tip-off at 10 p.m. ET). She is listed as probable ahead of tip-off, and a final decision on her availability will be made later in the day.
