A’ja Wilson and Las Vegas Aces’ $100,000 News Has Fans Divided Over Caitlin Clark’s Impact on WNBA

Celebratory moments do not seem to end for the Las Vegas Aces. After their WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson grabbed a spot on the Times 100 Summit and Gala, the team announced their three-peat mission. But before the Aces, who are already 1-0 in the season, go further into the plays, they have some big news. Boasting their glimmering rings to the world, they add another way to taunt the rest of the teams, and that is by getting sponsored by the city itself. Consequently, while half of the basketball followers cheer on their efforts, the rest chant Caitlin Clark.

Bleacher Report took to their official Instagram account on Friday to make the news public. They captioned the post, “Their reactions were priceless 🤣 Love to see it 🔥,” In the attached video, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill addressed the squad in the locker room. He said, “We wanna recognize you individually. We wanna put some money in your pockets. So, we got an offer for you, we think it’s a great offer for us. We hope you think it’s a great offer for you. We would like to offer each of you, individually, a sponsorship from this year in the amount of a $100,000.”

Adding more information about the deal, Hill added, “The offer is really simple. We want you to just play, we want you to keep repping Las Vegas. And if you get a three-peat, that’ll be icing on the cake. That’s it.”

It is a great way to add more value to individual players in the W for sure. However, these changes have only been made ever since one of the best NCAA players has transferred to the professional league. That is Caitlin Clark. Something that every fan is making sure the world knows.

“Strikes Again” fans praise Caitlin Clark for being the change

The WNBA has truly seen multiple changes ever since the 2024 WNBA draft hit the league. Amidst the many talents, one athlete surely shines the brightest in bringing much-needed changes to the league. Hence, even when the defending champions of the WNBA got something, her fans could not resist the urge to sing her praises. One Instagram user mentioned how she has truly painted the league in new colors with the Caitlin Clark Effect.

“Caitlin Clark Effect strikes again.”

One Instagram user pretty sure broke the internet with his comments. He asked everyone to thank Caitlin Clark for the change. Seems like it is a slap on everyone’s faces who have discouraged the stellar talent and undermined her entry into the professional world. But the Aces have been asked before if they believe Clark has made the league act differently. To this, they have simply mentioned how they had been seeing sold-out arenas all the time before as well. Becky Hammon has also mentioned how there have been many women who have laid the foundation for someone like Caitlin Clark to be where she is.

“Now everyone say thank you to Caitlin Clark”

One person even compared the WNBA’s incoming star to the NBA legends. In fact, they went on to say that she is changing the league just like the NBA changed during Michael Jordan’s time. Jogging everyone’s memory back to the era when the Chicago Bulls completely dominated the entire league, owing to Jordan’s immaculate skills on the floor.

“She changing the league like how Jordan changed the men’s side”

However, not everyone in the basketball world is rooting for the out-worldly talent. Ditching the comment section’s vibe, one Instagram user suggested that Clark does not affect everything. And that this sponsorship that the City of Las Vegas has given the Aces has nothing to do with her. Surely, the Aces have been the most dominant teams in the league for some time now. Along with their famous consecutive World Championship wins, they have also swept away the Commissioner’s Cup in 2022. Hence, looks like they have earned it all by themselves.

“Everything isn’t because of Caitlyn Clark lol”

One basketball follower made sure to call out the new fans who had never seen the WNBA games before. According to them, the ‘new generation’ of fans will call this step by the Las Vegas city also her gift to the league. The user’s comment suggests that it is simply mind-boggling how all the new basketball fans are ignoring the fact that the professional league does deserve respect.

“Here come the boomers yelling Clark effect”

Seems like there is no end to this debate. Some make the Indiana rookie seem like the best thing to ever happen to the sport of basketball. On the other hand, some completely thrash her out. However, as long as the W keeps taking steps in the right direction and the entire league reaps the benefits, it should not be a topic of who’s and why.