Fed Up and Fouled!’ – Furious Fans Call on Caitlin Clark to Ditch WNBA and Launch Her Own League After Shocking Push.

This week’s WNBA showdown between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun lit a firestorm online when superstar rookie Caitlin Clark was shoved to the ground following an aggressive push—yet the officials didn’t eject anyone, including the aggressor. Fueled by mounting frustration among fans who believe the WNBA is failing to adequately protect its rising icon, many are now demanding that Clark quit the WNBA, build her own basketball empire—and perhaps even kickstart a brand‑new league.

A Growing Flashpoint

On June 18, during a tense late game, Clark was poked in the eye by Jacy Sheldon, then knocked over by Marina Mabrey, leading to a chaotic final minute and three ejections. Shocked fans began calling the incident “a tipping point,” and furious social media users claimed the league “continues to fail to meet the moment” . Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy went viral demanding Clark quit, start her own league, and warned that the WNBA risks losing its brightest star .

A Star Under Siege

Clark, 23, has reinvented the Fever and reignited national interest in women’s basketball. Her entry has sparked record viewership and explosive jersey sales, even as her modest league salary—reported at approximately $338,500 for her four‑year rookie deal—is dwarfed by her multi‑million‑dollar endorsement deals, including an estimated $28 million contract with Nike .

Yet with fame comes pressure. The league’s aggressive defenders have turned up the physicality, and fans are calling attention to repeated fouls that go unpunished. They see a glaring imbalance: Clark draws eyes and revenue, but she also draws bruises—while the league seems unwilling, or unable, to step in .

The Anthem of “Start Your Own League”

The phrase “Fed Up and Fouled!” began trending amid the latest incident. On X, fans posted:

“This is what people are watching—and they’re disgusted.”

“If the WNBA won’t protect her, she should build her own league.”

Dave Portnoy wasn’t alone. Fox Sports radio host Jason Whitlock publicly called for Clark to flee the WNBA—and not even bother with 3‑on‑3 startups like Unrivaled—declaring she could “start her own league” and eschew what he labeled “woke politics” and weak officiating .

Although some of Whitlock’s comments have sparked backlash for their political tone, the underlying tone—“League can’t protect her; she deserves better”—resonates widely, even in more moderate circles.

Official Echoes and Player Solidarity

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, playing alongside Clark on the Fever, publicly lamented that officials are failing to protect “star players” after a fiery altercation with the Sun . Even longtime pros and analysts—like Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley, and Geno Auriemma—have voiced unease at the aggressive targeting of Clark, drawing comparisons to the media backlash Michael Jordan faced in the NBA .

Yet voices of restraint argue that rough play is part of pro basketball. A recent BBC piece reminded readers that “it’s a contact sport”—Clark is enduring a steep learning curve as a rookie.

The Experiment: A New League for Clark?

Behind the curtain, there’s smoke—and some talk of fire. Unrivaled, a proposed 3‑on‑3 women’s league backed by WNBA figures like Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and heavy hitters behind the scenes, has reportedly offered Clark a “Lionel Messi‑type” contract—potential millions, equity, and unprecedented control .

Will she take it? Clark herself has remained coy, responding only, “We’ll see,” when asked about her offseason plans . Still, fans are convinced: if the WNBA won’t adapt, Clark will—and fast.

What’s at Stake

If Clark follows through, the consequences could be seismic:

Financial loss: The WNBA, still seeking profitability, can’t afford to lose its biggest audience driver—one who brought more viewers last season than any other player .

Talent migration: If Clark goes, could WNBA vets follow—especially opportunistic players keen for higher pay or better protection?

Cultural reset: A Clark‑led league could ditch what critics call “political posturing” and offer a different brand of women’s basketball—smaller, star‑driven, commercially focused.

WNBA Must Respond

Many see a narrow window for the WNBA to address this crisis. Fix officiating mistakes and ramp up player safety. Embrace Clark—not just as a supporting act, but a marquee attraction. And consider a radical strategic pivot: could a Clark‑centric league model be integrated within the WNBA itself?

Left unaddressed, the calls to “ditch the WNBA and build a new league” may be more than just angry fan noise—they could herald a genuine inflection point in women’s pro basketball.

Bottom line: Caitlin Clark’s emergence has transformed the WNBA—but it’s also laid bare its faults. Accused of both ignoring her star power and failing to protect her, the league now stands at a crossroads. Will it adapt to retain its brightest star? Or will a fed‑up Clark seize the opportunity and launch her own dynasty?

The stakes couldn’t be higher—and history may be unfolding before our eyes.