A’ja Wilson recently opened up about the conversation surrounding Caitlin Clark’s influence on women’s basketball, stressing that the spotlight on Clark has unintentionally overshadowed the trailblazing Black women who helped build the WNBA. Wilson’s message wasn’t rooted in rivalry but in a reminder that the league’s foundation was laid long before today’s media frenzy.
In her remarks, Wilson made it clear that she didn’t take the public narrative as a personal attack. She emphasized that her accomplishments speak for themselves—championships, MVP accolades, and international success. Her concern lies not in validation but in preserving the truth about the league’s journey and the women who fought through obstacles to elevate it.
Wilson pointed out that the WNBA’s history risks being rewritten or forgotten amid the rise of new stars. She believes that the sudden shift in attention has caused parts of that history to fade, a situation she finds troubling. For her, the issue is not about credit but about ensuring that the struggles and sacrifices of past players remain part of the story.
She reminded fans that many women had to navigate some of the toughest conditions—limited exposure, smaller salaries, and intense scrutiny—long before the sport received widespread recognition. These pioneers, many of them Black women, carried the league through its early years and paved the way for future generations.
Wilson’s comments ultimately call for balance: celebrating today’s rising stars while honoring the women who built the league brick by brick. Her message underscores the importance of remembering the full history of women’s basketball, not just the parts that trend today.
