In the high-octane world of professional basketball, attention is currency—and some of the league’s brightest stars are being forced to watch the spotlight shine elsewhere. As the hype machine around WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark continues to roar with relentless force, longtime superstars like Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Arike Ogunbowale are finding themselves on the sidelines—not of the game, but of the national conversation.

And fans aren’t having it.

Dubbed by some as “The Forgotten Stars,” Plum, Wilson, and Ogunbowale are igniting a fierce debate online about media favoritism, fairness in sports storytelling, and, unavoidably, race. The core question: Why are the faces of women’s basketball—Black women, MVPs, champions, and Olympic medalists—being pushed into the background while one white rookie dominates the headlines?

From Champions to Shadows

Let’s be clear: Caitlin Clark’s transition to the pros has been a remarkable storyline. Her record-breaking college career, massive fan base, and ability to draw national attention have brought new eyes to the WNBA. But as her media presence grows exponentially, seasoned stars with glittering résumés are getting far less visibility.

A’ja Wilson, two-time MVP and the dominant force behind the Las Vegas Aces’ recent championships, has consistently been one of the league’s most impactful players. Yet national media coverage of Wilson has paled in comparison to Clark’s every move, from press conferences to on-court struggles.

Kelsey Plum, another Aces standout, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most marketable faces in the league, has faced similar neglect. Her fiery personality and leadership on a dynasty-level team should warrant consistent coverage, but instead, she’s often reduced to a side note in Clark-centered narratives.

And then there’s Arike Ogunbowale—the scoring machine from the Dallas Wings whose clutch gene and fearless game have kept her team in the playoff conversation year after year. Ogunbowale’s name rarely trends, despite performances that should dominate highlight reels.

“We See What You’re Doing”

The disparity hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, especially hardcore WNBA supporters who’ve been loyal to the league long before its recent surge in mainstream interest. Social media has become a battleground of pointed observations and growing frustration.

One viral post summed it up: “A’ja Wilson is a back-to-back champion and the face of the league, but y’all really think Caitlin Clark is carrying the WNBA? We see what you’re doing.”

Others have brought attention to how the framing of storylines often reinforces certain hierarchies. When Clark struggles, it’s framed as growing pains or a noble battle; when Wilson dominates, it’s often underreported or contextualized as just another day at the office.

Critics argue that the media’s disproportionate focus not only diminishes the contributions of Black athletes but subtly reinforces existing social dynamics where whiteness is more easily celebrated, marketed, and humanized.

The Race Conversation—Unavoidable but Long Overdue

While some fans bristle at suggestions of racial bias, many believe it’s impossible to ignore. The pattern has played out across sports history: from Serena Williams to Simone Biles to Sha’Carri Richardson—Black women are often required to be exceptional just to be considered.

In contrast, white athletes—particularly young, photogenic, and from NCAA backgrounds—tend to benefit from more forgiving coverage, lucrative endorsements, and a cultural embrace that extends beyond the sport itself.

Even well-known commentators have weighed in. One former WNBA player-turned-analyst tweeted, “A’ja had to win MVPs and rings to be talked about. Caitlin just had to show up.”

It’s a statement that stings, but one that’s becoming harder to dismiss.

What This Means for the WNBA

This conversation is more than a social media spat—it has real implications for the league. On one hand, the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented visibility thanks in part to Caitlin Clark’s drawing power. On the other hand, the imbalance in storytelling risks alienating the very players who have carried the league to this point.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged the importance of highlighting diverse talent, but her office has yet to directly address the growing divide in media coverage. Meanwhile, teams like the Aces and Wings continue to win games, sell out arenas, and build fanbases—often without the national spotlight they deserve.

Some fans are urging brands and broadcasters to step up. They’re calling for balanced promotion, more inclusive narratives, and accountability in how the sport’s icons are elevated—or erased.

The Battle for the Narrative

In the era of social media, where every clip can go viral and every narrative can spark a movement, fans are no longer passive. They’re creating graphics, launching threads, starting podcasts—all to celebrate the under-celebrated.

And make no mistake: the players see it too.

Plum has thrown subtle shade in interviews. Wilson has reposted fan comments highlighting the double standard. Ogunbowale has responded with her play, dropping 30-point games without a single national headline.

The WNBA is evolving, and its fans are watching closely. They’re not just cheering for their favorite players—they’re fighting for them.

As one viral post put it: “We’re not anti-Caitlin. We’re pro-A’ja. Pro-Kelsey. Pro-Arike. Stop acting like there’s only room for one.”

And that, perhaps, is the true story here. It’s not about tearing anyone down—it’s about lifting up those who’ve already earned it.