ST.The LPGA Just Taught a Masterclass on How to Treat Caitlin Clark, Leaving the WNBA Playing Catch-Up

In the world of professional sports marketing, recognizing a “unicorn” is only half the battle; knowing how to showcase them is where the war is won. This week, as WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark traded her signature headband for a golf visor, a glaring contrast emerged. While Clark’s debut season in the WNBA was undeniably historic, it was often clouded by awkward media narratives, physical controversies, and a league that seemed at times overwhelmed by her supernova celebrity. Enter the LPGA. With Clark participating in “The Annika” Pro-Am at the Pelican Golf Club, the Ladies Professional Golf Association didn’t just welcome her; they provided a blueprint on how to celebrate a generational talent.

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The event, hosted by golf legend Annika Sörenstam, saw Clark teeing off alongside Nelly Korda, the current number-one golfer in the world. The pairing was no accident. It was a calculated, brilliant stroke of marketing genius that united the pinnacle of women’s golf with the pinnacle of women’s basketball hype. The atmosphere was electric, more akin to a Sunday at the Masters than a Wednesday Pro-Am. But beyond the crowds and the cameras, the story of the day was the stark difference in “vibe.”

From the moment Clark stepped onto the lush fairways of Florida, the LPGA treated her not as a disruption, but as a dignitary. The Golf Channel broke its regular programming to air live cut-ins of her round—a level of coverage rarely afforded to amateur participants. Social media feeds were inundated with high-quality clips of her swing, her interactions with fans, and her genuine joy. It was a full-court press of positivity, devoid of the “jealousy” narratives or “paying dues” discourse that seemed to trail her throughout her WNBA rookie campaign.

The legends of the game were quick to weigh in, and their comments were refreshingly devoid of caveats. Annika Sörenstam, a woman who knows a thing or two about dominating a sport, was effusive in her praise. “We’re thankful she’s here,” Sörenstam said, acknowledging the “Caitlin Clark Effect” without hesitation. “She’s been the one, other than Nelly, to bring so much attention to women’s sports.” Sörenstam noted Clark’s poise and class, recognizing that when you set the bar high, people often try to tear you down—a subtle nod to the scrutiny Clark has faced elsewhere.

Nelly Korda, whose own dominance in 2024 has been historic, echoed these sentiments. Rather than viewing Clark’s media gravity as a distraction, Korda embraced it. “It’s refreshing to have someone from another sport who embodies the same competitive drive we do,” Korda remarked. The two young icons were seen laughing, high-fiving, and discussing everything from jump shots to swing mechanics. It was a cross-sport alliance that felt organic and mutually beneficial.

This warm embrace by the LPGA highlights a missed opportunity by the WNBA. Critics have pointed out that while the WNBA certainly benefited from Clark’s presence via record-breaking attendance and viewership, the league often appeared reactive rather than proactive. The LPGA, conversely, leaned all the way in. They understood that Clark’s fans—the millions who followed her from Iowa to Indiana—are potential new golf fans. By rolling out the red carpet, they weren’t just honoring Clark; they were inviting her massive following to come along for the ride.

Fans at the event noticed the difference immediately. One spectator’s comment went viral, stating, “The way every league embraces her except the WNBA is diabolic.” While perhaps hyperbolic, the sentiment rings true for many who felt the WNBA failed to protect and promote its golden goose effectively. At the Pro-Am, there were no hard fouls, no debates about whether she “deserved” the attention. There was just appreciation.

Clark, for her part, looked relaxed and happy. An avid golfer since childhood, she spoke about the mental release the sport provides. “I love being outside and making it competitive with my friends,” she said. “It’s a different challenge mentally and physically.” But even in her “off” time, her commitment to the broader mission of women’s sports was evident. During the Women’s Leadership Summit associated with the tournament, Clark spoke passionately about her “why”—the young girls who line up for hours just to catch a glimpse of her.

“The reason I play isn’t just for the points or the wins,” Clark told the audience. “It’s for the moments when a young girl at a game smiles, shouts, or even sheds a tear when I wave.”

This connection with the next generation is what makes Clark such a potent ambassador, and it’s something the LPGA capitalized on perfectly. Other tour pros like Brittany Lincicome and Andrea Lee were spotted “fan-girling” over Clark, bringing basketballs for her to sign and hoping for selfies. It painted a picture of a sisterhood in sports that transcends the boundaries of the playing field.

The LPGA’s strategy was clear: leverage Clark’s star power to elevate the entire event. By pairing her with Korda, they ensured that eyes coming for Caitlin stayed for Nelly. They used Clark as a bridge to introduce basketball fans to the world of women’s golf. It is a simple concept, yet one that requires a lack of ego and a surplus of business savvy to execute.

As the day concluded, the narrative was set. The LPGA had successfully borrowed the biggest star in sports and returned her with her shine not just intact, but polished. They showed that when you treat a superstar like a superstar, everyone wins. The ticket sales soar, the ratings jump, and the energy becomes infectious.

For the WNBA, the offseason provides a chance to reflect and recalibrate. The Caitlin Clark era is only just beginning. If this week in Florida proved anything, it’s that there is a right way to handle a phenomenon. The LPGA just provided the manual; it’s up to the WNBA to read it before tip-off next season. Because as Annika, Nelly, and the thousands of fans at Pelican Golf Club can attest, when you let Caitlin Clark be Caitlin Clark, magic happens.