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WNBA 30th‑Anniversary Poster Omits Caitlin Clark and Draws Questions Over Selection and Rights

Unanswered questions about player selection or image rights could alter how the league markets its top stars.

Overview

  • The WNBA released its 30th‑anniversary poster in late June 2026 and fans immediately noticed that Caitlin Clark was not included.
  • The league has not explained how the players were chosen for the artwork or whether any licensing limits affected which faces could be used.
  • National commentators criticized the omission as a marketing error while other analysts pointed to image‑rights rules and exclusive deals that may bar third parties from using a player’s likeness.
  • Observers also noted the poster shows fewer than the promised 30 faces and omits several long‑time WNBA legends, which intensified questions about oversight and intent.
  • Teammates and commentators have pushed for clearer promotion of Clark and the league’s biggest draws, and the dispute could prompt closer scrutiny of the WNBA’s licensing practices and marketing choices.