Sheryl Swoopes’ nod to Paige Bueckers speaks volumes after Caitlin Clark criticism

Caitlin Clark’s fans have reacted to Sheryl Swoopes wearing a Paige Bueckers t-shirt following the WNBA Draft, amid claims that she often criticizes the WNBA Rookie of the Year

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has been labeled by fans as a ‘Caitlin Clark hater’ ever since the Iowa product entered the league, and she’s angered supporters once again in a recent podcast appearance.

Swoopes was called out for falsely claiming that Clark spent five seasons with the Hawkeyes before being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and later that year suggested that she wasn’t “dominating” in the league. Clark went on to win WNBA Rookie of the Year, and more recently, Swoopes has changed her tune.

Clark received an apology from Swoopes for her comments and the WNBA legend has even suggested that the Indiana Fever are a championship contender in 2025. However, Swoopes has managed to anger Clark’s fans once again for wearing a Paige Bueckers t-shirt during a recent appearance on the ‘Gils Arena’ podcast.

Bueckers was selected first overall in the recent 2025 WNBA Draft and will join the Dallas Wings after signing off her collegiate career with a national championship. With Swoopes publicly showing her support for the UConn star, Clark’s fans have called her out for failing to give Caitlin credit at this stage last year.

“Sheryl Swoopes is a Generational Hater. Like she really hates Caitlin Clark,” one fan wrote on X. “This is just hilarious, it just feels petty now. She needs to move on, we have,” another suggested.

“We should just turn it around and start talking about how Paige is gonna be better than Swoopes ever was,” another fan said. While Clark’s fans believe that Swoopes has an agenda against the Fever star, the WNBA legend attempted to erase the narrative last season.

Clark and Bueckers have been selected first overall in successive years(Image: Getty Images)

Swoopes apologized to Clark for getting her statistics wrong prior to the 2024 WNBA Draft, and the No. 1 selection appreciated her comments and said she was “inspiring” to all those who play in the league. “Hey Caitlin! I wanted to personally reach out to you and say I made a mistake on what year this is for you,” Swoopes sent in a message to Clark.

“I also have nothing but respect for you and your game and appreciate your skill. Congrats on everything you have accomplished thus far. Be blessed.”

Swoopes also credited Clark on the ‘Unapologetically Angel’ podcast, hosted by her college rival Angel Reese. “I’m going to give Caitlin Clark her flowers,” Swoopes began. “Yes, I said that… I’m going to give Caitlin her flowers because I think what she has done coming into this league absolutely has brought more eyes, whether you like them or not.

“But has brought more eyes, more marketing. Like people just want to watch the game, and they want to talk about it.” While speaking with ESPN ahead of the 2025 WNBA season, Swoopes also listed Indiana as a title contender after crediting the front office for rebuilding the team around Clark.

Clark continues to be the face of the WNBA(Image: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

“The team that I feel made the biggest moves, maybe the best moves, that would be the Indiana Fever,” Swoopes said. “I think the Indiana Fever went from just being in the playoffs last season to potentially winning a championship.

“You add the OG DeWanna Bonner, who plays both ends of the floor and is a competitor, and Natasha Howard, who is another OG, who is going to bring the defensive presence. And then you’re bringing back Aliyah Boston, who continues to get better every single year.

“Can we talk about Kelsey Mitchell, who is just a walking bucket? How much stronger Caitlin got in the offseason, you know she was in the gym working on her game. This Indiana Fever team, they have put the pieces together in this offseason, and I’m excited to see what they’re going to do.”