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The WNBA's 30th anniversary celebration has generated plenty of conversation, but not just because of the league's milestone season. Instead, much of the attention has centered on one notable omission: Caitlin Clark.
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham weighed in on the controversy during the latest episode of her "Show Me Something" podcast, making it clear she believes the league missed an opportunity by leaving Clark off its commemorative anniversary poster.
With Clark continuing to drive unprecedented television ratings, ticket sales and merchandise revenue, Cunningham didn't hold back when discussing what she believes was a marketing misstep.
Sophie Cunningham blasts WNBA over Caitlin Clark poster omission
Cunningham was one of the players featured on the WNBA's 30th anniversary poster, making Clark's absence even more surprising to many fans. The Fever guard admitted she was stunned by the decision, arguing that Clark—and several of Indiana's other stars—should have been central to the league's promotional campaign.
"It is a joke, and this is why Cathy and the WNBA are getting lit up on social media because you're leaving out a generational, the best player to ever go through the WNBA, on this poster," Cunningham said.
She doubled down moments later.
"Like, honestly, if they were smart, they would market the [expletive] out of some of us. They don't."
The comments quickly added fuel to an already active debate surrounding the anniversary artwork.
Why wasn't Caitlin Clark included?
While many fans initially assumed the omission was intentional, there may be a business explanation. According to sports business reporter Darren Rovell of CLLCT, Clark's licensing agreement is the primary reason she does not appear on the poster.
Rovell reported that Clark allows most licensees to use only her name and jersey number, not her likeness, with Nike serving as a notable exception. If accurate, that would have prevented the manufacturer from including her image without a separate licensing agreement.
That explanation addresses Clark's absence, but it hasn't completely quieted the discussion. Many fans have also wondered why fellow Fever stars Kelsey Mitchell or Aliyah Boston weren't selected instead, especially considering Indiana's popularity and national profile entering the league's 30th season.
MORE: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards show UConn bond before Wings-Sun matchup
Clark remains the league's biggest draw
Regardless of the poster controversy, Clark's impact on the WNBA remains difficult to overstate. The Fever continue to play before packed arenas around the country, and Clark has become one of the biggest stars in all of American sports. Her jersey sales have consistently ranked among the highest in professional basketball, and she has helped drive record television audiences since entering the league.
On the court, she's backed up the attention with elite production. Through 70 career WNBA games, Clark has averaged 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.2 steals while establishing herself as one of the league's premier playmakers. Whether the licensing explanation satisfies fans or not, Cunningham's comments ensured the discussion surrounding the WNBA's anniversary campaign isn't going away anytime soon.
The league has not publicly addressed why Clark, Mitchell or Boston were absent from the promotional poster.
More WNBA news:
- Olivia Nelson-Ododa "stuns" with pregame outfit before Connecticut Sun game
- Angel Reese headlines notable omissions from 2026 WNBA All-Star starting lineup
- Fever's Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull make meaningful impact during WNBA break
- Sophie Cunningham misses Fever practice with illness ahead of Las Vegas matchup
- Dave Portnoy rips Emmanuel Acho over viral Caitlin Clark comments as WNBA debate intensifies
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