Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been impossible to ignore. Since entering the league, the Indiana Fever star has become the central figure in women’s professional basketball. She continues to drive unprecedented attention through record-setting performances, national television exposure and sustained fan engagement.
Clark’s superstardom has played a major role in expanding the league’s audience, with attendance, viewership and overall visibility rising sharply during her rookie season and beyond.
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Because of that influence, Clark often finds herself at the center of broader league conversations. That was the case Thursday, when a significant update on labor negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) emerged.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The union announced that its members voted to authorize leadership to call a leaguewide strike if deemed necessary, a move that escalates ongoing collective bargaining talks but does not immediately halt play. According to the WNBPA, 98% of voting players supported the authorization, signaling strong unity as negotiations continue (h/t ESPN’s Alexa Philippou).
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The news sparked frustration among many Caitlin Clark fans, who fear the momentum she helped generate could be jeopardized.
“At this point if no one can handle the CC phenomenon and everyone’s freakin’ losing their minds then just shut it down for a year, sheesh,” one fan wrote.
“We will see Sophie Cunningham in Project B in November 2026 and Caitlin Clark in the WNBA in 2027, because the 2026 season isn’t happening,” another fan added.
“They’re gonna kill all the momentum Caitlin brought them,” said another fan.
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“lol wnbpa is so cocky because of the popularity CC brought to the WNBA. They are gonna squander all of the momentum she’s built,” a fan echoed.
“Caitlin Clark I need you to play somewhere now. F this league,” another fan remarked.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The WNBA later acknowledged the vote in a statement, reiterating that it remains committed to reaching a new collective bargaining agreement and emphasizing that discussions are ongoing. League officials maintain that progress has been made on compensation and benefits as the WNBA navigates a period of rapid growth.
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If a lockout or strike is ultimately triggered, the stakes would be significant. A work stoppage could delay or cancel the 2026 season, pause expansion plans and disrupt free agency and player movement, an outcome the league has never faced in its history.
Clark, along with several players, has previously advocated for improved compensation and revenue sharing as the league grows. However, she has not publicly commented on Thursday’s strike authorization news.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Pass to Angel Reese Draws Attention on Sunday
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
