"Trying to Copy Angel's Playbook": Tensions Boil as Caitlin Clark Fans Outraged After A'ja Wilson Dismisses Fever Star's Transformative Impact

Caitlin Clark fans are not happy with reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson after seemingly dismissing the impact of the Indiana Fever star. Wilson was named as 2025 TIME Magazine's Athlete of the Year, an accolade that Clark received last year.

Speaking to TIME, Wilson discussed the validation she and other WNBA players received last season after the league's continued growth amid Clark's injury-plagued campaign. The viewership increased during the regular season and playoffs despite the Fever star playing in just 13 games.

"Sometimes you need a proof in the pudding," Wilson said. "The biggest thing for us, and why I was so happy, is that we continue to rise to the occasion. This was just a matter of time for us to really bloom and blossom. Because we have been invested in each other and our craft for a very long time. It was just like, 'They're going to pay attention.'"

While A'ja Wilson's feelings are valid, and she didn't celebrate Caitlin Clark's injury, some of the Indiana Fever star's fans on social media were not thrilled by the MVP's comments. Some even likened his style to Angel Reese's alleged use of Clark's name in the media to get people riled up.

Here are some of the comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.

OccassionallyComment

@therealreadonly

is calculated. Aja is just trying to copy Angel’s playbook to becoming famous without looking like she is copying Angel’s playbook.

G Johnson

@gmjjohnson23

Wilson can’t help herself. She is so unlikable

it'sMARY-ANN

@ann_smary

She's jelouse ain't no way around it

Lou

@lou_p81

There trying to say the Clark fans are racist. but it's actually the black activists there not a single thing been shown that Clark fans are racist but looks at Wilson and Reese's fans there's racism every couple of comments .it's actually disgusting the amount of lies.

@vaxxedboostedsupport🇺🇦

@vaxxedboostedX5

She’s such a terrible person

Lawdamercy

@Lawdamercyyall

If CC walks away after the new pay structure goes thru the league will collapse. I hope she goes pro and tries to tackle golf. Her money is already made.

A'ja Wilson's year didn't have the best start as the Las Vegas Aces struggled more than halfway through the season. They turned things around and began a win streak that lasted for 16 games, heading into the playoffs.

The Aces didn't have a hard time beating the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, sweeping the first-ever best-of-7 series in league history. They did struggle to eliminate the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever in the semifinals, which took overtime in Game 5.

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A'ja Wilson on possibly becoming The GOAT

A'ja Wilson on possibly becoming The GOAT. (Photo: IMAGN)

With three WNBA championships and four WNBA MVPs, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon called A'ja Wilson the greatest ever. Wilson also has some records to her name, plus a college championship and two Olympic gold medals.

But does Wilson believe she's already The GOAT of the WNBA? She thinks she's heading in the right direction.

"I've been the GOAT since 1996 in my house," Wilson said. "I think I’m on my way there. I’m making it real hard for people to chase after me. That’s what it means to be the GOAT."

Some WNBA players who are in contention for the title are Tina Thompson, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker. Cheryl Miller is also considered the GOAT women's basketball player ever.