The WNBA season is just around the corner, and the 2026 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet. With more storylines than ever before, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark as she aims to return to her dominant form. But ESPN has already sparked a major debate with their latest preseason power rankings, and fans are divided.
Clark's rookie year in 2024 was nothing short of a phenomenon. The sharpshooter from Iowa took the league by storm, both for her incredible on-court performances and the off-court buzz she generated. She led the Indiana Fever to new heights, shattered attendance records, and became a household name. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined her for most of the 2025 season, limiting her to just 13 games. Still, she earned an All-Star nod, proving her impact even when not at full strength.
Now, with a clean bill of health and a league packed with emerging stars, Clark's return adds even more excitement to an already stacked WNBA. But ESPN decided to stir the pot by ranking her 10th in their preseason power rankings. Yes, you read that right—10th.
The social media post from espnW quickly went viral, sparking heated reactions from fans, analysts, and players alike. Some argued the ranking is too low for a player who earned fourth-most MVP votes as a rookie, set a single-season assist record, and posted the second-most three-pointers in a season. Others pointed out that missing most of 2025 makes it fair to slot her behind proven veterans.
ESPN's description for Clark reads: "Clark received the fourth-most MVP votes as a rookie while setting a single-season league record for assists and posting the second-most 3-point field goals in a season. She became one of the league's best passers and long-range shooters the moment she stepped onto a WNBA court, and was just getting started when she was named Rookie of the Year and first-team all-WNBA in 2024. Injuries limited her to only 13 games in 2025, but she was still named an All-Star."
Let's be real—ESPN knows exactly what they're doing. Placing Clark at No. 10 guarantees headlines, clicks, and conversation. It's no coincidence that they highlighted her ranking over stars like Kelsey Plum (No. 9), Paige Bueckers (No. 8), or Allisha Gray (No. 7). And at the top? Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson claimed the No. 1 spot after winning her fourth MVP award, cementing her status as the league's undisputed best.
Whether you agree or disagree with the ranking, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark's return in 2026 will be must-watch basketball. And with ESPN fueling the fire, the debate is just getting started.