Caitlin Clark might be one of the biggest stars in basketball, but Emmanuel Acho believes the WNBA would be better off without her.Another media storm has engulfed the Indiana Fever icon, with debate re-ignited around how she’s treated by opponents following a tough 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.A media storm has engulfed Clark after last week’s WNBA actionGettyIn the second quarter of that game, Alyssa Thomas appeared to hit Clark in the throat and step over her while she was on the ground.No foul was called during the play, but the WNBA later suspended Thomas for one game, and suggested she had ‘recklessly’ made contact with her opponent and ‘committed a non-basketball act.’Clark eventually left the game injured in the third quarter, and didn’t return due to a back issue. She was then ruled out of Indiana’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks over the weekend.Fever coach Stephanie White suggested it was ‘absolutely unacceptable’ that no foul was initially called on Thomas’ controversial play, and later said she was glad the league reviewed and ultimately punished the Phoenix forward.Clark’s next chance to return to the court will be July 5 against the Las Vegas Aces.But with the Fever star sidelined again, and another great debate breaking out over her treatment, former Fox Sports host Emmanuel Acho believes the WNBA would simply be better off without her.That’s despite her record-breaking impact, which undoubtedly helped secure a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement ahead of the 2026 season.Emmanuel Acho drops outrageous Caitlin Clark claim“The W, at this junction in time, would be better without Caitlin Clark, because she is a bigger distraction than she is an additive,” Acho argued on his Speakeasy show.“Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA over the necessary threshold they needed. Now people are watching.“Now we realize, ‘Oh, there’s talent in the W — talent that’s actually even greater than Caitlin Clark.’A former Fox analyst has claimed the WNBA is better off without ClarkGetty“Caitlin got the necessary eyes there. But now that the eyes are there, we don’t necessarily need her anymore.“Caitlin Clark has gotten the WNBA players past the proverbial Red Sea. Chartered planes, new CBA, new max contracts.“With all due respect, if Caitlin disappeared from the W, she wouldn’t be missed.”While Acho credited Clark with bringing the WNBA to the forefront of American sports, he suggested a circus has developed around her that’s now doing more harm than good.He referenced another sore point from last week, which saw thousands of fans flood the WNBA’s social media channels to take issue with their decision to omit the Fever guard from a poster that celebrated the league’s 30th season.“Now you’re saying the WNBA needs to be cognizant of where they put Caitlin Clark on posters,” Acho added.Acho has sparked backlash with his comments about the WNBA and ClarkGETTY“The WNBA and the officials need to alter the rules for Caitlin Clark. The WNBA and opposing players need to treat Caitlin Clark more gently.“Caitlin Clark’s coach needs to be cognizant of how she talks to her in public, because it’s going to look like there’s an issue.“Unless we can take off our gloves for Caitlin Clark and stop trying to act like she’s a messiah, the WNBA could — and would — be better off without Caitlin Clark.“At least, without this version of everybody coddling, and caressing, and catering to Caitlin Clark.”Acho’s ‘insane’ take about Clark drew hundreds of comments from angry WNBA fansGettyAcho’s comments were shared by Speakeasy on X, and quickly went viral, with plenty of WNBA fans taking issue.Fans react to ‘insane’ Caitlin Clark take from former Fox analyst“That’s like saying the NBA would have been better if Michael Jordan left… No I’m not talking about talent level. I’m talking about popularity and revenue that CC brings to the WNBA,” one wrote in response.“My goodness. This has to be the absolute worst take I’ve heard,” another said.“And this is why you’re not on TV anymore. Absolutely insane take,” a third brutally suggested.Clark has had a profound impact on the WNBA but continues to be overlooked and targetedGetty“The league wouldn’t be better off without Caitlin Clark, but she would be better off without the league. Caitlin Clark is the best thing to ever happen to the WNBA,” a fourth concluded.Acho’s hot take, like so many others, will soon be drowned out.Since Clark’s arrival, WNBA attendances have exploded, television ratings have hit record highs, and merchandise sales have surged. All that happened before a new CBA was signed.With Clark in their ranks, as well as countless other stars playing around and against her, the league will continue to hit new heights.Some might claim to see a circus around the Fever superstar, but there’s no doubt she’ll continue to bring people to town.Stay up to date on all things WNBA across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.