WNBA conspiracy theorists believe ESPN was behind Caitlin Clark suspension decision
WNBA conspiracy theorists believe ESPN was behind Caitlin Clark suspension decision
Charlie WilsonSun, August 9, 2026 at 12:51 PM UTC
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Caitlin Clark was given her eighth tech of the season, but will not be suspended -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Caitlin Clark quickly learned that she would not be handed a one-game suspension despite being handed her eighth technical foul of the WNBA season.
One of the league's most recognizable and marketable athletes, Clark is back to her best this season with the Indiana Fever looking to make a playoff run. She is never far from the headlines though and has been the target of some hard fouls, while also being called for a number of technical fouls herself.
Once a player reaches eight tech's in a season, they are given a one-game suspension. However, Clark had her eighth taken off, meaning that she can play on Tuesday when the team faces the New York Liberty - a game that will be shown live on ESPN. It comes after WNBA powder keg explodes after ugly Sophie Cunningham punch and Clark ban U-turn.
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Many believe that ESPN may have something to do with the move, with viewing figures set to be unquestionably higher due to Clark being able to play.
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One fan posted: "Let’s call this what it is. The WNBA knew that if they suspended Caitlin Clark, fans would boycott the Fever vs Liberty game.
Caitlin Clark was assessed her eighth WNBA technical foul of the year and is facing a one-game ban -Credit:ESPN
"That game is being played on ESPN. WNBA needs Caitlin Clark and all the eyes she attracts to help pay the bills. This is about money, not integrity."
While a second wrote: "ESPN made that phone call real quick, no way were they going to let Tuesday's game ratings dwindle. No Clark, NO Views and they know it."
Another tweeted: "The tech was ridiculous. The W had a lot at stake here, their mouthpiece for social justice, ESPN, would lose a lot of ratings for a NY v. Indiana game. That's expensive! Clark really has all the cards, I hope she plays them well going into 2027, don't sign a long-term deal."
Clark will be able to play against the Liberty -Credit:Getty Images
The technical was called at the 1:06 mark in the third quarter, when Clark had driving to the baseline against Natasha Cloud. Clark accidentally hit the referee while driving to the rim and threw her arms out before heading back to the corner.
She was then given a technical, with Clark looking confused. After the game, she stated that she'd be confident it would be overturned.
Clark said: “She said I ran into her. I've already watched it on the tape, so we'll let the league decide, but it wasn't intentional or anything. So I'm hoping it's getting rescinded.”
Source: “AOL Sports”
