The WNBA community was rocked by the sudden injury to Caitlin Clark, one of the league’s brightest stars. The Indiana Fever player, known for her electrifying presence on the court, has left fans and analysts reeling as she faces at least two weeks on the sidelines due to a quad injury.

With Clark’s absence, ticket prices and viewership have taken a hit, prompting discussions around her influence in the league. Renowned WNBA icon Sue Bird and her podcast co-host Megan Rapinoe recently tackled the sensitive subject during an episode of ‘A Touch More.’

Bird’s Bold Stance on Reimbursements

As the duo discussed the ripple effects of Clark’s injury, Bird expressed her frustration over calls for ticket refunds. While Rapinoe asserted that the WNBA’s appeal existed long before Clark’s emergence, Bird passionately defended the integrity of the league. She noted that the conversation surrounding refunds was troubling and not something one would see in men’s sports.

“Injuries are a part of it. I understand the disappointment if you bought a ticket to see someone and they can’t play. It’s a huge letdown,” Bird stated. “However, you wouldn’t expect the NBA to offer refunds if LeBron James or Steph Curry were out. This just shows a lack of respect for the WNBA as a business.”

Caitlin Clark’s Stellar Performance Before Injury

Before her injury on May 26, Caitlin Clark was proving to be a phenomenal player, averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 40.3% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. Her absence has certainly been felt, as the Fever have struggled to maintain form, losing three consecutive games since her injury, following a narrow 81-76 victory over the Dallas Wings.

Adding to the Fever’s woes, another key player, Sophie Cunningham, has been ruled out for their next matchup against the Washington Mystics. In light of these challenges, the Fever have signed former Atlanta Dream player Aari McDonald, hoping her experience will help stabilize the team until Clark and Cunningham return to action.