Fans call out intrusive, ill-mannered media treatment of Caitlin Clark ahead of Iowa return

WNBA star Caitlin Clark received rude treatment from the media ahead of her return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the first time as a professional.
After missing the Indiana Fever's preseason opener due to a leg injury, Clark was set to make her 2025 debut in Iowa City, where she spent four legendary years with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Fever played the Brazilian National Team in a game broadcast nationally on ESPN, marking the first-ever WNBA contest at the arena.
However, before the game began, Clark was seen walking into the locker room, surrounded by a swarm of reporters. Fans quickly took to social media to express their outrage over how the media treated their beloved star, particularly focusing on the aggressive use of camera lights flashing in her face and the reporters standing too close for comfort.

One fan posted, "My goodness that light tho in her face," while another commented,
"They can back up off my [expletive] a little bit." A third fan wrote,
"They have her surrounded," and another added,
"Bright [expletive] light all in her face I'd be so irritated."
Others echoed similar sentiments, urging the media to give Clark some space.
"Give her space," said one fan, and another remarked, "A superstar.
But they really did need to take it easy with the light."
Despite the intrusion, Clark kept her composure, preparing for her return to the arena where she made history as the NCAA's all-time leading scorer. Fans' protective instincts were clear — they weren’t just excited to see her play again; they also wanted her treated with the respect she deserves.
Clark’s seamless transition to the WNBA saw her lead the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, earning her Rookie of the Year honors. Fans are now eager to see how she’ll continue to build on her already impressive career, though this incident has shown just how far-reaching their devotion to her extends, including in how the media treats her.