Conversations about officiating in the WNBA have now included broader topics, as pointed out by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. He stated that Caitlin Clark has become a ‘political football’ amid debates about officiating and physical play, especially after an incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.

Silver emphasized that the issues surrounding Clark are not primarily about officiating. He noted, ‘That particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called or if it was ultimately a flagrant on review.’

These remarks were made during a conversation at the Game Plan Summit, organized by CNBC and Boardroom. Silver acknowledged his familiarity with Clark, describing her as an incredible player and person. He highlighted the unfairness of her becoming a political subject, asserting, ‘She’s a young woman trying to improve her game.’

The incident he referred to occurred on June 24 in a game between the Fever and Mercury. During the game, Thomas contacted Clark’s throat with her fist, which was not penalized initially. However, the league later revised the action to a flagrant foul, resulting in a one-game suspension for Thomas for ‘recklessly making contact.’ Thomas called the play an accident and reported receiving death threats and racial slurs thereafter. She criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for insufficiently protecting players.

In response, Clark and Fever coach Stephanie White denounced the threats against Thomas. Clark has notably boosted WNBA ticket sales and TV ratings since joining the league, despite discussions around her focusing on contentious issues like race and officiating. Silver concluded, ‘Do we need to improve WNBA officiating? No doubt about it.’