Mystics’ Sheila Johnson takes exception with Caitlin Clark’s Time magazine cover

Sheila Johnson has her own ideas for Time magazine.

The Washington Mystics co-owner stirred debate on Friday with her criticism of Time magazine’s decision to name Caitlin Clark as its “Athlete of the Year,” wondering why the rest of the league wasn’t given recognition.

Johnson expressed concerns that the award’s singular focus on the Indiana Fever megastar would unintentionally bring division among players in the WNBA — Clark’s peers.

Johnson, while speaking to CNN, questioned aloud why Time “couldn’t have put the whole WNBA on that cover,” given the talent in the league.

Added Johnson: “While Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly talented, putting one individual on such a pedestal can foster resentment in a team sport like basketball. It doesn’t reflect the collective efforts that make the game so special… When you just keep singling out one player, it creates hard feelings.”

Johnson also brought up Angel Reese, who has been lined with Clark over their on-court rivalry, which began in college.

“This year, something clicked with the WNBA, and it’s because of the draft of players that came in. It’s not just Caitlin Clark, it’s Reese [as well]. We have so much talent out there.”

Clark, who had a stellar rookie season with the Indiana Fever, became the first player since 2008 to earn both Rookie of the Year and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.

Her accomplishments, including her role in boosting WNBA viewership, have been widely discussed, even going back to her impact on college basketball.

Johnson’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about how individual honors in team sports can shape dynamics, both on and off the court.