NBA Commissioner Says Caitlin Clark Incident Is Both Political and Officiating Issue

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark has become political rather than centered on officiating decisions. He made the remarks after the 2026 NBA Draft. Silver stated that a recent incident involving Clark is not about whether a foul should have been called or whether it was a flagrant on review.

He added that Clark has become a political football in the country and that this development is unfair to her. "the issues around Caitlin Clark are not largely about officiating," Silver said. " Silver described Clark as an incredible player and person who wants to focus on improving her game.

He said he has come to know her well. The comments followed a play in which Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas hit her fist into Clark’s throat. The contact was not called a foul at the time but was later upgraded to a flagrant foul, resulting in a one-game suspension for Thomas.

Thomas stated that the play was an accident and that she has received death threats. She also criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing enough to protect players. Silver said his biggest concern remains improving the quality of WNBA officiating.

"Do we need to improve WNBA officiating? No doubt about it," he said.