Washington Mystics owner Sheila Johnson questioned Time magazine's decision to name Caitlin Clark "Athlete of the Year," suggesting the WNBA as a whole deserved the accolade. In a CNN Sport interview, Johnson expressed concern that singling out Clark could fuel racial tensions within the league.

Johnson questioned whether race played a role in Clark's prominence and the emergence of the "Caitlin Clark effect." She highlighted the talent of numerous players of color who, in her view, haven't received due recognition. Johnson also pointed to Clark's substantial Nike endorsement deal, noting that other players might feel overlooked.

While acknowledging the Mystics benefited from Clark's popularity with increased ticket sales for their season finale against the Indiana Fever, Johnson's comments on CNN seemed to downplay Clark's individual contribution. She attributed the WNBA's rising popularity to the influx of talented rookies, including Clark and Chicago Sky's Angel Reese.

Johnson's remarks echo sentiments expressed by other figures in sports and media, including WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson and journalist Jemele Hill, who have linked Clark's popularity to her race and sexuality. Even former sports commentator Skip Bayless weighed in, suggesting Clark had become a "right-wing symbol."

Clark herself has addressed the topic of race and privilege in her Time interview, acknowledging her advantages as a white player in a league predominantly composed of Black athletes. Johnson, while applauding Clark's statement, expressed that it shouldn't have been necessary.