Sue Bird has called out the double standard after fans demanded refunds for tickets following Caitlin Clark’s injury. Bird argued that such demands wouldn’t happen in men’s sports, like the NBA, and emphasized that supporting the league is supporting players like Clark. Despite her absence, the Indiana Fever bounced back with a crucial win. The debate over how women’s sports are treated continues to heat up.

Sue Bird Slams Double Standards After Caitlin Clark’s Injury, Urges Fans to Support the WNBA

WNBA legend Sue Bird has once again spoken out on an issue that has stirred up controversy among basketball fans — the treatment of Caitlin Clark’s injury and the reaction from some fans about ticket refunds and support for the league. The 23-year-old guard for the Indiana Fever, who has quickly become one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, suffered a quad strain on May 24, 2025, which is expected to keep her sidelined for at least two weeks. Her absence has left a gap on the court for the Fever, but Bird, who has always been an advocate for the WNBA, has some strong words for the public’s reaction.

Injuries in Women’s Sports vs. Men’s Sports

In her latest appearance on her A Touch More podcast, Bird addressed the double standards that often appear when star players in women’s sports get injured. Specifically, she pointed out how fans were calling for ticket refunds after Clark’s injury, a reaction that she believes would never happen in men’s sports.

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“Injuries are a part of it,” Bird said. “I get it, it sucks. If you bought a ticket to see somebody and they’re hurt, I get it, that’s a big bummer. But no, you would never say that about men’s sports.”

Her comments highlight an issue that many people have pointed out over the years — the way women’s sports are treated differently. Bird continued, emphasizing that the WNBA needs to be viewed as a legitimate business. “Now you’re just not taking the WNBA as a business. So yeah, she’s hurt. It sucks. The league will continue to go on,” she explained.

Supporting Caitlin Clark Means Supporting the WNBA

Bird made an important point when discussing how Clark’s fans should view their support of the league. According to Bird, supporting Clark means supporting the entire WNBA ecosystem. “So if you want to support Caitlin, you have to support the league. She’s a part of that ecosystem, she doesn’t get to separate herself out,” Bird argued.

Her statement was clear: While Clark’s individual talent and popularity have driven significant attention to the league, it’s important for fans to support the collective efforts of the WNBA, especially in moments like this when one of its stars is injured. This not only supports Clark but also the other athletes working hard to make their mark in the league.

The Fever’s Response to Clark’s Injury

Despite Clark’s absence, the Fever are adapting and finding new ways to excel. In the aftermath of her injury, the Fever have faced some challenges, but they managed to secure their first win without her in a thrilling 85-76 victory over the Washington Mystics on June 2. The win came thanks to a strong team effort, with newcomer Aari McDonald stepping up to make a huge impact.

McDonald, who was signed under the emergency hardship rule, played a pivotal role in the win, contributing seven points, five assists, and three steals in 27 minutes of play. Head coach Stephanie White praised McDonald for her readiness and determination. “Not everybody can do that. That’s a point guard mindset,” White said. “She’s hungry, number one. And number two, she knows how to play. And she’s just a dog on defense; we needed that.”

While McDonald’s performance was key to the victory, the game also showcased the depth of the Fever roster. Even without Clark, players like Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell helped carry the load. White had previously noted that Clark’s injury might offer an opportunity for other players to step up and gain valuable experience. With Clark sidelined, other Fever players have been thrust into larger roles, which will help build their confidence and growth moving forward.

Building Confidence and Growth Amid Adversity

White has been emphasizing the importance of building team depth, especially early in the season. “It gives you opportunities to build confidence in your depth,” White said. “It gives you opportunities to see what you could look like down the stretch because when you’re playing at the end of the year and in the postseason, rotation can be a little bit deeper.”

This opportunity for growth is important, not just for the players but for Clark as well. White highlighted that Clark, despite being injured, will gain a different perspective by observing the game from the sidelines. “She’s going to see it on the sideline, she’s going to be hearing us talk about it on the sideline from a coach’s perspective,” White explained.

Conclusion: A Call for Support and Unity in the WNBA

Sue Bird’s comments about Caitlin Clark’s injury and the reaction it’s sparked in the media are a call for fans to think beyond individual stars and support the league as a whole. Injuries are part of every sport, and while it’s unfortunate to see Clark sidelined, Bird’s message about unity and support for the WNBA is an important one. Fans should continue to support not just their favorite players but the entire ecosystem of women’s professional basketball.

As the Fever move forward without Clark, they will need to rely on the strengths of their other players, like McDonald, Hull, and Mitchell, to fill the void left by their star. For the WNBA, Clark’s absence could prove to be a defining moment for the league, as it gives other players the opportunity to rise to the occasion and show that the strength of the league goes far beyond one player.

As the season progresses, fans will continue to watch closely to see how the Fever adapt and whether they can maintain their momentum despite the loss of Clark. And, as always, Sue Bird’s perspective will likely resonate with those who understand the importance of supporting the team, the league, and its stars.