NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Caitlin Clark has become a “political football” in the United States, arguing that the intense debate over fouls against the WNBA star now reflects wider cultural and political tensions rather than officiating alone. He said this was unfair to Clark, who he described as focused on improving as a player, while acknowledging that WNBA officiating needs to improve.

The discussion intensified after Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a one-game retrospective ban and a $1,000 (£743) fine for an incident involving Clark last month. Fever coach Stephanie White criticised the officiating, while Thomas said she received death threats and racist abuse; 11 Republican lawmakers also asked the WNBA to address concerns that attacks on Clark could be racially motivated. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, White and Clark have all condemned harassment and hateful online commentary affecting players.