At least that's the conclusion Emmanuel Acho reached this week when he argued that the WNBA would actually be "better off" without her — despite repeatedly acknowledging that Clark is the primary reason the league is enjoying record popularity and unprecedented financial success in the first place.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEEmmanuel Acho speaks onstage during the ADL Never Is Now Summit at the Jacob K.Javits Convention Center in New York City on March 17, 2026.
(Noam Galai/Getty Images)The former NFL player made the comments on his "Speakeasy" podcast while discussing the ongoing controversy surrounding Clark's treatment by opponents, most recently the incident involving Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas."The W, at this junction in time, would be better off without Caitlin Clark because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive," Acho said.He continued:"Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA over the necessary threshold they needed.Now, people are watching.
Now, we realize there's talent in the W that's actually even greater than Caitlin Clark…"Caitlin got the necessary eyes there, but now that the eyes are there, we don't necessarily need her anymore."And then came perhaps the most astonishing part of the argument:"Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA players past the proverbial Red Sea.Chartered planes, new CBA, new max contracts.
With all due respect, if Caitlin disappeared from the W, she wouldn't be missed."That's certainly one way to thank the person largely responsible for increasing your visibility, television ratings and revenue.Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clar reacts after a foul was called during the first half against the Portland Fire at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on May 30, 2026.(Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)His argument essentially boils down to this: Caitlin Clark served her purpose, helped the league and its players make a lot of money, and now she should kindly f--- off.That seems not only rude and ungrateful, but wi...