Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, fresh off being named TIME Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year, has publicly apologized to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark following controversy over comments in her feature interview.In the December 2025 TIME profile, Wilson expressed frustration with narratives surrounding Clark’s 2024 rookie season, stating that the hype “erased” the WNBA’s history for a moment. She emphasized the contributions of Black players who built the league through challenging times, saying, “It was more so, let’s not lose the recipe. Let’s not lose the history… Because we have tons of women that have been through the grimiest of grimy things to get the league where it is today.”
While Wilson clarified it wasn’t a personal attack—”I’m going to do me regardless”—the remarks were perceived by some, particularly Clark’s fans, as derogatory, implying Clark’s rise overshadowed veterans’ legacies and fueled racial divisions.
The backlash intensified on social media, with critics accusing Wilson of jealousy amid ongoing debates about race, privilege, and credit for the WNBA’s growth. Clark, who missed much of the 2025 season due to injury, has remained silent publicly.
On December 12, 2025, Wilson posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “My words in TIME were about honoring our league’s foundations, not diminishing anyone. Caitlin, if my comments came across as hurtful, I’m truly sorry. You’ve elevated the game, and we all rise together. Respect always.”
Wilson’s apology aims to quell the feud, highlighting unity in women’s basketball. Sources close to both players suggest mutual respect, with no prior direct conflict. The incident underscores persistent tensions in the WNBA’s booming popularity e
