Former NFL player and sports commentator Emmanuel Acho is facing backlash after arguing that the WNBA would actually be “better off” without Caitlin Clark—even as he acknowledged the Indiana Fever star has been the driving force behind the league’s unprecedented rise in popularity.

Speaking on his Speakeasy podcast, Acho suggested Clark has already accomplished what the league needed her to do.

“The W, at this junction in time, would be better off without Caitlin Clark because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive,” he said.

“The WNBA would be better without Caitlin Clark, because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive”

– @EmmanuelAcho FULL SENDS Caitlin Clark criticism over all of the coddling and catering she receives from fans and media

LIVE RIGHT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/oU4bmDUTFL pic.twitter.com/2JEGSYHh17

— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) June 29, 2026

Acho argued that Clark’s arrival brought millions of new viewers to the WNBA, allowing fans to discover the league’s broader talent pool.

“Caitlin got the necessary eyes there, but now that the eyes are there, we don’t necessarily need her anymore,” he said.

He went even further, claiming Clark had helped usher in charter flights, a new collective bargaining agreement, and significantly larger player salaries before concluding, “If Caitlin disappeared from the W, she wouldn’t be missed.”

The comments immediately sparked debate across social media, with many fans questioning how the league could thrive without the player widely credited with transforming its financial outlook.

Clark’s rookie season in 2024 coincided with record-breaking attendance, soaring television ratings, booming merchandise sales, and a multibillion-dollar media rights agreement. The league’s increased revenue also paved the way for improved player benefits, including permanent charter flights and dramatically higher salaries under the new collective bargaining agreement.

While many observers agree the WNBA boasts elite talent across its roster, Clark has undeniably become its biggest attraction, drawing new audiences who had never before followed women’s professional basketball.

The discussion came just days after another controversy involving Clark’s treatment on the court. Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas was suspended one game and fined $1,000 following an incident during a loose-ball scramble that reignited questions about whether Clark is being targeted by opposing players.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham believes she is.

“You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheapshotting [Clark] in the throat… they’re definitely targeting her and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her,” Cunningham said on her podcast.

Whether Clark receives unfair treatment remains a matter of debate. But her impact on the league is much harder to dispute.

Supporters of Acho argue that the WNBA’s long-term success depends on showcasing its many stars rather than relying on a single player. Critics counter that the league is still benefiting directly from the excitement Clark generates every time she steps on the court.

For now, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark remains at the center of nearly every major conversation surrounding the WNBA—and her influence on the league’s growth shows little sign of fading.