ESPN Gets Brutally Trolled for Ranking Caitlin Clark Below 3x WNBA MVP

ESPN just dropped its latest fantasy basketball rankings, and fans wasted no time sounding off. The list had the reigning three-time WNBA MVP, at No. 1—no surprises there. But Caitlin Clark at No. 2? That set social media on fire. Clark didn’t just have a great rookie season—she rewrote the record books, elevated the Indiana Fever, and turned the WNBA into must-watch TV. Many felt her impact on and off the court made her deserving of the top spot outright. The debate was loud, and the reactions came fast. Now, the question remains—did ESPN get it right, or is Clark already the best player in the W?

Even Clark’s own fan pages joined the conversation. One Instagram post from Caitlin Clark Reels declared, “CC is coming for the #1 spot 💯🔥”—a direct challenge to A’ja Wilson’s reign and a sentiment echoed by thousands across social media.

As WNBA teams gear up for free agency and the 2025 season, ESPN’s fantasy rankings have only added fuel to the fire. With major trades shaking up the league—Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Plum all finding new homes—Clark’s No. 2 ranking became an unexpected flashpoint. Even Candace Parker couldn’t help but take a shot at ESPN’s list, sarcastically posting, “I need the names of these fantasy experts.”

Candace seems to be missing the point that as per Espn themselves, “These rankings are based on ESPN’s default women’s basketball settings which award one point for each point, assist and rebound, a bonus point for making a 3-pointer, and two points each for blocks and steals.”

The debate wasn’t just about Clark’s placement—it was about the bigger picture. Did Clark’s record-breaking rookie season justify her ranking above legends like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier? Or was she being pushed too soon, ahead of veterans who had proven themselves over multiple seasons?

Swoopes’ History of Doubt and Fan Outrage

The ranking also reignited old tensions between Clark’s supporters and her loudest critics. One fan took a jab at Sheryl Swoopes, who has repeatedly downplayed Clark’s dominance, saying, “Wonder what Swoopes will say about this lol! Straight up hater.”

Swoopes had previously dismissed Clark’s historic numbers on Gil’s Arena, saying, “Those are hell of a numbers, but to me, that’s not dominating.” She doubled down on another episode, claiming Clark was a “25-year-old playing against a bunch of 20-year-olds” who “probably takes about 40 shots a game.”

That skepticism didn’t sit well with Clark’s fans, who saw the ESPN ranking as further proof of her impact. Another fan argued, “That is ESPN’s opinion, which means nothing. They are just trying to satisfy privileged A’ja. Caitlin is the best player in the WNBA.”

There’s no denying A’ja Wilson’s resume. The Las Vegas Aces superstar has three MVPs (2020, 2022, 2024), two WNBA titles (2022, 2023), a Finals MVP, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. She’s been a dominant force on both ends of the court, setting the single-season rebound record in 2024.

But Clark’s rookie season was historic in its own right. She broke the WNBA’s single-season assists record (337), set the rookie scoring record (769 points), and became the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers. She also delivered the first triple-double in Indiana Fever history and recorded 14 double-doubles—the most ever by a rookie guard.

One fan summed up the argument, saying, “2nd? Nah, one season in the W breaking all kinds of records, 2nd to none!”

Beyond the stats, Clark’s presence transformed the WNBA. The league averaged 657,000 viewers in 2024—the highest in 24 years. A record 22 games hit over 1 million viewers, fueled by the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” Even the WNBA Draft, which had never drawn more than 600,000 viewers, exploded to 2.45 million when Clark was selected No. 1 by the Fever.

Another fan put it bluntly: “Caitlin Clark is the best in the WNBA. She elevated and changed the game. The WNBA benefited with viewership, publicity, and money. No debate.”

ESPN’s rankings were meant to be a tool for fantasy players, but they sparked a much larger conversation about how we define greatness. Is dominance measured by championships and MVPs, or by revolutionizing the sport in real-time?

Clark’s numbers speak for themselves, and the WNBA’s newfound popularity is undeniable. But for now, ESPN stands by its ranking—leaving fans to keep the debate going until the 2025 season tips off.