The WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” campaign is becoming a joke. While it was billed as an effort to unite and fight hate, it has been used as a tool to divide—specifically, targeting Caitlin Clark and her fans.
Recently, Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery continued her attacks on Caitlin Clark, repeating the controversial claim that she is “just a white girl.”
This disparaging attitude was played out publicly on national television, with Montgomery implying that Clark has done nothing to stand out other than… being white.
It’s ironic that the person being called the “problem” is the one who helped save the WNBA. Caitlin Clark was not only a great rookie, but also a factor in bringing huge viewership, skyrocketing revenue, and a wave of fans unprecedented in the history of the league. She is the centerpiece, the “needle mover” of the WNBA.
But instead of being welcomed, Clark faced personal and even racial attacks. CBS’s choice of Renee Montgomery, who once said “They’re not like us,” as co-host of the new WNBA program sparked a wave of protests. This was no longer sports analysis, but an attempt to control and exclude a new fan base.
The phrase “that white girl” was repeated over and over again as if it were a normal comment, but in fact it was full of derogatory and hostile sentiment.
While black players like Angel Reese were defended by the WNBA when criticized, Caitlin Clark was treated in the exact opposite way – no defense, no punishment, and complete silence.
Montgomery’s family even shared publicly: “People put a lot of money into that girl just because she’s white.” A biased statement that did not receive any reaction from the WNBA leadership.
And then there was Don Staley—the coach who had not selected Caitlin for the U.S. Olympic team, who had said that “God needs to teach Caitlin a lesson” after a loss—now appearing with Renee Montgomery on CBS. Rather than providing neutrality and objectivity, the pregame show seemed designed to maintain power and marginalize Clark’s growing presence.
The truth is: The WNBA had a golden opportunity to rise—just as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had helped the NBA rise. But instead of seizing it, they chose petty division. They let prejudice dictate public opinion instead of letting basketball speak for itself.
And the saddest part: Caitlin Clark did nothing wrong. She played her heart out, inspired and captivated audiences. But because she was white, her success was viewed with suspicion and disdain. That’s not progress. That’s sabotage. And fans are seeing that more clearly than ever.
