In the high-stakes world of the WNBA, rivalries often fuel the narrative, and the latest chapter involves Chicago Sky rookie Hailey Van Lith and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. The two guards, whose competitive history dates back to their college days, found themselves at the center of a media storm following Van Lith’s remarks during the 2025 WNBA Draft. What seemed like a playful game of “Start, Bench, Cut” turned into a public relations misstep for Van Lith, igniting backlash from Clark’s fervent fanbase and exposing the delicate balance of respect and rivalry in professional basketball.
During the draft’s orange carpet interviews, Van Lith was asked to choose between WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, and Clark for the hypothetical game. Her response—starting Taurasi, benching Ionescu, and cutting Clark—raised eyebrows. “Give flowers to the legend,” Van Lith said, justifying her choice to prioritize Taurasi’s storied career. However, the decision to “cut” Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year and a cultural phenomenon, was perceived by many as a slight, especially given their competitive past.
The backlash was swift, particularly on social media platforms like X, where Clark’s fans, known for their protective fervor, unleashed a torrent of criticism. Posts mocked Van Lith, with one user captioning a draft-night photo, “When you realize your WNBA debut will be another nationally televised cooking by Caitlin Clark.” Others referenced past NCAA Tournament games where Clark dominated Van Lith’s teams, including a 41-point performance against LSU in 2024. The sentiment was clear: Van Lith’s comments were seen as ill-advised, especially with her WNBA debut against Clark’s Fever looming on May 17, 2025
Van Lith and Clark’s history adds context to the controversy. In 2023, Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes eliminated Van Lith’s Louisville Cardinals in the Elite Eight, and in 2024, Clark repeated the feat against Van Lith’s LSU Tigers. A viral moment from the latter game—Van Lith shrugging after Clark’s three-pointer—became a meme, fueling perceptions of a rivalry. Despite Van Lith’s past praise for Clark, calling her a “great person” who “supports other players,” her draft-night comments were interpreted by some as lingering resentment.
The timing of Van Lith’s remarks amplified the fallout. As the No. 11 pick for the Sky, she entered a team with Angel Reese, another player with a publicized rivalry with Clark. The narrative of Van Lith “joining” an anti-Clark sentiment gained traction, though her actual intent remains speculative. Her WNBA debut, where she played limited minutes and scored a jumper while guarding Clark briefly, did little to shift the conversation from her pre-draft comments.
Ultimately, Van Lith’s experience underscores the scrutiny athletes face in the social media age. While her comments may have been lighthearted, they ignited a firestorm that overshadowed her draft moment. As she navigates her rookie season, Van Lith will likely learn that in the WNBA, words can carry as much weight as performance—especially when they involve a figure like Caitlin Clark.
