You can be sure something’s going terribly wrong when even brands start making jokes about you. That too, online. Last week LASIK, a vision correction brand, dropped an interesting proposition. “We offer all WNBA refs LASIK for free!” they responded to a video of a vexed fan on the sidelines offering her glasses to a WNBA ref. But behind all the jokes and tweets, the issue has finally hit a nerve, and the higher management is being forced to respond.

We already know the tension’s been thick between players and the front office with all this CBA back-and-forth. But if there’s one thing that’s come out stronger than ever, it’s this: Players are together in this. With what they called the biggest player turnout yet for CBA talks, around 40 WNBA stars met face-to-face with league officials on Thursday to lay it all out. Ranging from league veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Breanna Stewart, to young players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, a ton of others showed up in business suits, ready to be heard.

While labeling the meeting a “wasted opportunity,” the players called it their “proudest moment yet.” Before the All-Star Game, captains Napheesa Collier and Clark echoed the same energy. “I would say just that the players obviously are taking this really seriously. We have the most participation in league history… it just has a really strong message that we’re standing really firm on certain areas that we feel really strongly that we need to improve,” Phee said. Clark added, “Yeah, I think for myself that was the best part… just being in the room and there’s over 40 other players in this league. I think that’s the most powerful thing—just all the girls from across the league being in that room together.” And well, all of this did at least get the Commissioner to respond on one issue, at least. 

As per IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson on X on July 19, Engelbert finally addressed the officiating. “We hear the concerns, we take that input. Every play is reviewed… there’s an independent evaluation of officials, there are ramifications. It’s something we need to continue to work on,” she said. Honestly, it was high time. Because while voices like Becky Hammon, Stephanie White, and Angel Reese have been the loudest critics, even someone like Kelsey Plum, who usually embraces the physicality, has stepped up to call out the real problem: the lack of calls and accountability when calls are missed. The kind of transparency the NBA actually has.

The numbers don’t lie either. Per ESPN, foul calls are slightly up this season. Teams are averaging 18.7 fouls per game, the highest since 2017. Flagrant fouls are on track to hit 52 this season, which would be the third-most in league history (adjusted for the 44-game schedule). And at a time when the league is finally growing and grabbing more eyeballs, the last thing you want is headlines calling out officiating issues every other week. It sends the wrong message. So “we’re working on it” needs to turn into real, visible change. We’ll be watching. Closely.

Meanwhile, while we’re talking growth here, most times, it feels like it’s a one-star show. 

WNBA All-Star tickets drop after Caitlin Clark’s injury news

With this kind of momentum, it felt just right to bring All-Star Weekend to Indiana, the home of Caitlin Clark. But unfortunately, just as the festivities kicked off, the Fever guard was ruled out due to a re-aggravated groin injury. While the Fever staff got all the blame for it, for fans, it indeed was a total buzzkill. Still, between the StudBudz energy, orange carpet glam, and some epic moments on and off the court, the weekend stayed entertaining. 

But let’s not pretend Clark’s absence wasn’t felt. Fans online were quick to express disappointment. And as it has been a recurring theme, Clark’s presence (or lack of it) shifted the vibe entirely. The ticket prices for the game reportedly dropped by 48%, falling from $121 to just $64 after her injury was announced.

Even so, Clark still showed up and played her part. As honorary host, she stayed involved and shared, “I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to participate last night and won’t be able to participate tonight, but still getting to be around and be a part of everything is really important for myself and for the fans.” She still stole headlines without even touching the court. Clark turned heads in an all-black Prada look: sleek jacket, matching pants, sharp heels, and a crisp white shirt.

This only proves one thing: even benched, Caitlin Clark is the biggest pull.