Time Magazine recently announced its annual “Women of the Year” honorees, and a glaring omission has sparked backlash across the sports world. Among the selected women, one notable name was missing: Caitlin Clark, the star of women’s basketball, who had recently been crowned Athlete of the Year. Instead, A’ja Wilson, a dominant force in the WNBA, was awarded the coveted spot. While Wilson’s success is undeniable, many are questioning how Clark, whose influence and record-breaking performances have reshaped women’s basketball, was left out of the spotlight.

The Snub That Has Fans and Experts Furious

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in women’s basketball cannot be overstated. The 23-year-old’s incredible achievements, including breaking 62 records in her freshman year, have earned her the admiration of sports fans worldwide.

Her ability to transcend the game and boost women’s basketball into the mainstream has caught the attention of celebrities, NBA stars, and even TV networks, all of which are clamoring for a piece of the action. Clark’s contributions have brought the WNBA to new heights, including a $36 million economic impact on the city of Indianapolis and the astonishing statistic that she was responsible for 27% of the WNBA’s total economic activity in a single season.

Yet despite all of this, Time Magazine somehow overlooked her for its “Women of the Year” issue. Instead, A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star, was celebrated. Wilson, a multi-time WNBA Champion and MVP, has had a significant impact on the league, but many argue her influence pales in comparison to Clark’s broader cultural and financial impact on women’s sports.

A Missed Opportunity to Recognize True Change

Time Magazine’s decision has left many wondering: how could Caitlin Clark, the most influential player in women’s basketball today, not even be considered for this honor? She’s not just a great athlete; she’s a cultural force.

Her historic rise has not only brought her team into the national conversation but has also attracted new fans to the sport. The significant viewership numbers and packed arenas that followed Clark’s rise were a direct result of her talent and visibility. The WNBA’s increased attendance and revenue were heavily influenced by her, and even the Indiana Fever’s ticket prices soared because of her presence.

If Time Magazine’s decision was supposed to celebrate visionary leadership and women who inspire global change, then Caitlin Clark was the perfect candidate. Instead, the publication chose to play it safe, rewarding A’ja Wilson for her consistency and success within the established league, rather than acknowledging the groundbreaking cultural shift led by Clark.

The Backlash: A Growing Chorus of Dissent

It’s not just fans who are frustrated—sports analysts, journalists, and even casual observers have been vocal in their disappointment. Many are questioning how Time Magazine could overlook Clark’s undeniable influence and opt for Wilson, a player who, while undeniably talented, hasn’t had the same broad, far-reaching effect on the sport. The internet erupted with criticisms, with people calling the snub one of the most significant missteps in recent memory.

The controversy goes beyond individual recognition—it highlights a broader issue of how women’s sports are recognized and celebrated. While Time Magazine had the opportunity to acknowledge someone who is actively changing the landscape of women’s sports, it opted for a more conventional choice, avoiding potential backlash from those who may feel overshadowed by Clark’s rise.

A’ja Wilson: A Great Player, But Not the Game-Changer

A’ja Wilson is undoubtedly a talented player. She’s won championships, earned MVP titles, and been a force to be reckoned with on the court. However, her contributions to the league are not comparable to Clark’s impact. While Wilson’s teams have performed well, it’s Caitlin Clark who has been the face of a new era for women’s basketball, drawing attention from major media outlets and boosting the WNBA’s profile in ways Wilson has not. Without Clark’s game-changing presence, it’s hard to imagine the WNBA reaching the same level of mainstream attention it has in recent years.

Yet, Time Magazine decided to highlight Wilson, leaving many to question whether this decision was influenced more by personal biases within the sports community than by objective merit.

The WNBA’s Complicated Dynamic

The WNBA is a league in transition. While A’ja Wilson has been an integral part of its success, Caitlin Clark is the one who has truly captured the attention of the mainstream audience. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, including veterans who have publicly questioned her rise, Clark has remained a driving force behind the WNBA’s newfound relevance. Her performances on the court have defied expectations, and she has handled the scrutiny and pressure with grace and determination.

The decision to snub Clark in favor of Wilson also highlights a deeper, ongoing tension within the WNBA. Some players and fans argue that the league’s veterans feel threatened by Clark’s newfound dominance, and Time Magazine’s decision could be seen as a nod to the establishment—playing it safe rather than truly embracing the future of women’s sports.

The Future of Women’s Sports Recognition

Time Magazine’s decision to overlook Caitlin Clark is more than just a sports story—it’s a reflection of the challenges women’s sports continue to face when it comes to recognition and respect. While the industry has made significant strides in recent years, this snub serves as a reminder that, despite progress, there are still barriers to be broken.

Caitlin Clark has done more for women’s basketball than perhaps any other player in history, and her absence from Time Magazine’s “Women of the Year” list is a stark reminder of how difficult it can be for women’s sports to receive the recognition they truly deserve. While A’ja Wilson’s talents are certainly worthy of praise, it’s Caitlin Clark who has truly redefined the game.

As the backlash continues to grow, one thing is clear: Time Magazine has made a misstep that they’ll have a hard time defending. Women’s sports—and Caitlin Clark—deserve more than just recognition—they deserve to be celebrated for the massive impact they’ve had on the world.