DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) is demanding the WNBA better protect West Des Moines native Caitlin Clark, arguing that the league has failed to adequately safeguard one of the biggest stars in professional sports and the face of women’s basketball. In a letter led by Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11), Nunn and fellow RSC colleagues urged WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to strengthen player safety and ensure all athletes are protected on and off the court.
“Caitlin Clark is one of West Des Moines’ own, and she’s a hero to millions of young girls — including my daughters,” said Rep. Nunn. “She carried women’s basketball to new heights, and she’s earned the right to compete without being unfairly punched, shoved, and targeted while the league that makes a billion dollars off her name looks the other way. Iowa has your back, keep the faith Caitlin!”
Clark absorbs more physical contact than almost anyone in the league. This season she has drawn an average of 6.7 fouls per game, the fourth-most in the WNBA. Those repeated hits come against the player widely credited with driving unprecedented growth for women’s basketball: a valuation by Indiana University finance professor Ryan Brewer credited Clark with 26.5% of all WNBA economic activity — including merchandise, ticket sales, and television viewership — with an overall economic impact approaching $1 billion.
In the letter, Rep. Nunn and his colleagues highlight multiple incidents this season in which Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat. They argue the league’s response has been inconsistent and warn that a continued failure to address repeated on-court violence could raise questions under federal workplace safety and civil rights protections.
The lawmakers are requesting answers on the WNBA’s policies for reviewing excessive physical play, disciplining players for dangerous conduct, protecting athletes, like Clark, from repeated targeting, and addressing online harassment and off-court threats. They requested a response from the league by July 24, 2026.
The full letter can be found here.
