local
Clark made the WNBA bigger. It's still playing small
By CHRISTINE BRENNANUSA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
A fist to the throat. That's the picture that has immediately become part of WNBA lore. In it, Caitlin Clark, the most famous, marketable and important women's professional team sport athlete in history, is being punched by Alyssa Thomas, whose…
Key takeaway That's the picture that has immediately become part of WNBA lore.
Why this matters in The Waco
The incident involving Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas has brought attention to the WNBA, but it also raises questions about the league's visibility and support in local communities like Waco . Despite having a significant following, women's professional sports often struggle to gain the same level of recognition as their male counterparts. In McLennan County, where Waco is located, there are opportunities for the WNBA to connect with local fans and grow its base. The league could partner with local schools and community organizations to promote women's sports and provide role models for young athletes. By doing so, the WNBA can build a stronger presence in cities like Waco and increase its overall popularity. The success of players like Clark can be a catalyst for this growth, and it will be interesting to see how the league capitalizes on her marketability to expand its reach in local markets.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A fist to the throat. That's the picture that has immediately become part of WNBA lore. In it, Caitlin Clark, the most famous, marketable and important women's professional team sport athlete in history, is being punched by Alyssa Thomas, whose…
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CHRISTINE BRENNANUSA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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