The New York Liberty have officially claimed their title as WNBA Champions, marking a historic moment in the league’s trajectory. This victory not only shattered viewership records but also generated immense media attention, arguably making it the most watched game five in WNBA history. However, amid the celebration, one notable name was absent from the court: Caitlin Clark, a player whose influence continues to shape discussions around women’s basketball.

What’s particularly striking about this championship is the sudden surge in NBA media’s commentary regarding the WNBA. While the focus on women’s basketball has grown significantly, much of the conversation has revolved around allegations of biased officiating during the finals. An analysis of the fourth quarter reveals a series of questionable calls that have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. For instance, there was a glaring moment when a Minnesota player, F Coler, was blatantly fouled multiple times without any whistle being blown. Additionally, an infamous call involving Alena Smith and Breanna Stewart raised eyebrows when Smith seemingly didn’t make contact with Stewart, yet the latter was awarded free throws.

Reactions from NBA players have underscored the growing frustration over officiating in this pivotal game. Notable figures such as Damian Lillard took to social media, suggesting that the referees appeared to be favoring one team, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed sentiments of bias, implying the referees handed the game to New York. Commentary from sports personalities like Bill Simmons highlighted the absurdity of the officiating in the final moments, calling it an “absolute joke.” Perhaps most telling was Isaiah Thomas’s candid remark that New York received undue advantages from the officials, a sentiment shared by LeBron James, who argued for allowing players to decide the outcome rather than referees.

The embarrassment felt by many WNBA media figures is palpable, especially given the spotlight on the league during this finals series. A tweet encapsulated the sentiment perfectly, lamenting how the intense focus on this championship was overshadowed by complaints regarding officiating. While the Liberty were undoubtedly a strong team throughout the season, critics argue that the integrity of the finals was compromised by a series of controversial calls that favored them at critical moments.

F Coler’s standout performance for Minnesota, even amidst the contentious atmosphere, highlighted the discrepancies in officiating. Despite her efforts, the repeated favorable calls for the Liberty cast a shadow over what could have been a more balanced contest. The WNBA’s statement celebrating the hard-fought championship raises questions, as many wonder how a game can be deemed “earned” when the outcome appears influenced by officiating.

While the Liberty may have been the best team throughout the season, the narrative surrounding this championship will likely focus on the controversial nature of the officiating rather than the players’ achievements. The WNBA has made significant strides in recent years, yet the persistent concerns about officiating continue to challenge the league’s reputation and the public’s perception of its fairness.

In the aftermath of the game, Caitlin Clark herself has expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, resonating with the sentiments of many fans and players. Her comments on social media further highlight the collective frustration within the basketball community regarding the integrity of the game.

As the dust settles on the WNBA Finals, the discussion is likely to continue, with many advocating for improvements in officiating standards to ensure the league can grow without the shadow of controversy. For the WNBA to thrive and gain the respect it deserves, addressing these issues head-on will be essential. The league’s trajectory toward greater visibility and legitimacy hinges not only on star players like Caitlin Clark but also on ensuring that every game reflects the true spirit of competition. As fans, players, and analysts look forward, it’s clear that the future of the WNBA will be shaped by both its successes and the lessons learned from its challenges.