Emmanuel Acho argues the WNBA would be ‘better off’ without Caitlin Clark despite her record impact
Caitlin Clark was struck in the throat during a WNBA loose tackle, sparking outrage and game suspension
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was struck in the throat while tackling a loose ball, sparking outrage and prompting Alyssa Thomas to receive a one-game suspension. Fox News’ Garrett Tenney reports on the ‘totally unacceptable’ incident and the coach’s reaction. Political analyst Gianno Caldwell discusses Clark’s enormous impact on WNBA viewership, including a $2.2 billion deal, and the role of gender and race in the debate.
It looks like Caitlin Clark’s services are no longer required.
At least that’s the conclusion Emmanuel Acho reached this week when he argued that the WNBA would be “better off” without her; although he has repeatedly acknowledged that Clark was the main reason the league enjoyed record popularity and unprecedented financial success.
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Emmanuel Acho speaks onstage during the ADL Never Is Now Summit at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on March 17, 2026 in New York City. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Former NFL player made statements on the subject “Talking” podcast Discussing the ongoing controversy surrounding Clark’s treatment by rivals, the latest involving Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas.
Acho said, “At this juncture in time, W would be better off without Caitlin Clark because she is more of a distraction than an additive.” he said.
He continued:
“Caitlin Clark has pushed the WNBA above the threshold of what they need. Now people are watching. Now, we realize there is actually even greater talent in the West than Caitlin Clark…
“Caitlin got the eyes we needed there, but now that the eyes are there, we don’t need her anymore.”
And then came perhaps the most surprising part of the discussion:
“Caitlin Clark managed to get WNBA players across the proverbial Red Sea. Leased planes, new CBA, new max contracts. Sorry, but Caitlin can’t be missed if she disappears from the W.”
This is definitely a way to thank the person who is largely responsible for increasing your visibility, television ratings, and income.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clar reacts after a first-half foul against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon on May 30, 2026. (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
His argument essentially boils down to this: Caitlin Clark served her purpose, helped the league and its players make a lot of money, and now she should politely go away.
This seems not only rude and ungrateful, but wildly out of touch with reality.
Clark’s arrival in 2024 changed the WNBA. Participation exploded. Television ratings broke records. Product sales increased. The league signed a media rights deal worth more than $3 billion. Revenue increased enough to trigger revenue sharing with players. Charter flights became permanent. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, average player salaries have increased by more than 450%, with the league’s top stars earning more than $1.5 million annually.
And none of this happens without Caitlin Clark.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas attempts to tackle Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. Phoenix Mercury defeated Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Does this mean other stars don’t matter? Of course not.
But it’s absurd to pretend that the league has somehow overcome its biggest rivalry less than three years after his arrival.
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The conversation followed another argument involving Clark. Last week, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas was suspended one game and fined $1,000 following an incident in which Thomas punched Clark in the throat during a tackle for a loose ball.
The game reignited a familiar debate: Is Clark being targeted?
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham certainly thinks so.
“You really see videos of kneeling and getting cheap [Clark] “He’s at the throat… they’re absolutely targeting him and the league, and the referees are doing nothing to protect him,” Cunningham said on his podcast.
Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham from Indiana Fever. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Whether or not you agree with Cunningham, there is no denying that the WNBA’s current level of success is directly linked to the arrival of Caitlin Clark.
You might argue that he doesn’t deserve special treatment. You could argue on his behalf that officials shouldn’t officiate matches differently.
What you can’t reasonably argue is that the WNBA would somehow be “better off” without a player who created more interest, more money, and more interest than anyone in league history.
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The WNBA may not want to admit how much it needs Caitlin Clark.
But the numbers certainly are.
