Caitlin Clark’s recent golf debut has sparked an intense debate over the WNBA’s missed opportunities to capitalize on the star power of its athletes. The 2023 NCAA basketball sensation, known for her record-breaking performances on the court, was invited to participate in a pro-am golf event by the LPGA. What followed was a textbook example of how to harness the power of a rising star and use it to elevate an entire sport. The LPGA not only capitalized on Clark’s popularity but also demonstrated what the WNBA could have achieved had it embraced similar marketing strategies.

From the moment Clark’s participation in the pro-am was announced, the buzz surrounding her was palpable. Fans took to social media to express their excitement, demanding to see her compete in the event. The LPGA, recognizing the magnitude of the moment, listened to the fans and made the pro-am a televised event—something that wasn’t initially planned. The event, which featured Clark alongside Nelly Korda, the world’s top female golfer, quickly gained traction online.

The LPGA’s decision to pair Clark with one of the sport’s brightest stars was a brilliant move. It created a powerful synergy: Clark’s enormous fanbase brought fresh eyes to the game of golf, while Korda’s presence ensured the spotlight also fell on the LPGA’s top-tier talent. The photos and videos of the two athletes together flooded social media, fueling a surge of interest in women’s golf.

In just a few hours, Clark became the star of the event. Her warm-ups, fan interactions, and every moment on the course were covered extensively across media outlets. The LPGA’s social media accounts were buzzing, with constant updates and coverage of the tournament. The event wasn’t just about Caitlin Clark; it was about showing how women’s sports can thrive when their stars are given the proper spotlight. Fans who might have never considered watching golf tuned in to see Clark, and they were captivated not just by her, but by the sport itself. The LPGA used her star power to shine a light on their players, showing that they were willing to put their best foot forward and promote both their stars and the sport in general.

This brings us to the glaring contrast with the WNBA. Caitlin Clark, a player with the potential to change the landscape of women’s sports, was trending worldwide, yet the WNBA, the league she is a part of, failed to take advantage of this moment. It was an opportunity to show the world that they recognized the magnitude of her talent and star power, but instead, they chose silence. The league did not post a single thing about Clark’s golf debut. There were no tweets, no Instagram posts, not even a congratulatory message. This oversight was not just a missed marketing opportunity—it was a sign of a much deeper issue.

The WNBA’s failure to promote Clark’s crossover appeal and celebrate her in a way that the LPGA did is symptomatic of the league’s larger struggles. Despite being one of the most electrifying young athletes in sports, Clark’s achievements off the basketball court seem to go unnoticed by the WNBA.

This is a league that has struggled to capitalize on its stars and create the kind of media buzz that can draw in new fans and retain existing ones. The LPGA, on the other hand, showed how to do it right. They embraced Clark’s crossover appeal, putting her in front of new audiences, and allowed her star power to boost the sport as a whole.

Fans have long been calling for the WNBA to recognize Clark’s influence and to elevate her to the status she deserves. These calls were not just idle complaints—they were valid concerns about the future of the league. When players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins come into the league, they bring not only incredible basketball talent but also enormous social media followings and the potential to generate a new level of excitement. If the WNBA doesn’t learn to embrace these players and their crossover potential, they risk losing out on the very momentum that could carry the league into the future.

This is not just about one missed opportunity with Caitlin Clark. It’s a larger trend that has plagued the WNBA for years. The league seems hesitant to promote its stars, perhaps out of fear that it might upset the status quo. But what they fail to realize is that by promoting their stars, they grow the league, attract new fans, and create the kind of media buzz that other sports leagues dream of. This isn’t about favoritism; it’s about smart marketing. It’s about understanding the power of star power and leveraging it to elevate the sport as a whole.

The WNBA needs to learn from the LPGA’s success. They need to embrace their stars, promote them across all platforms, and recognize the power that athletes like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins hold in the world of women’s sports. These athletes are influencers, and the WNBA should treat them as such. Ignoring them—or worse, silencing them—only hurts the league in the long run.

The takeaway from Caitlin Clark’s golf debut is clear: the future of women’s sports depends on the recognition and promotion of star power. If the WNBA continues to ignore its most popular athletes and fails to capitalize on their cross-sport appeal, they risk falling behind. The LPGA showed the way forward, and it’s time for the WNBA to follow suit. It’s not just about promoting individual players; it’s about building a league that celebrates and elevates its athletes to the global stage.

The ball is now in the WNBA’s court. Will they continue to miss opportunities, or will they finally embrace the star power they have and use it to propel the league forward? The clock is ticking, and the world is watching. If the WNBA hopes to secure its future, it must start treating its players like stars and give them the platform they deserve. The time for hesitation is over.