Caitlin Clark against the Atlanta Dream.

For the second time in the past few months, a WNBA owner has been accused of disrespecting Caitlin Clark.

Just three months ago, Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson criticized Time Magazine for naming Clark its “Athlete of the Year.” During an appearance on CNN, she said, “While Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly talented, putting one individual on such a pedestal can foster resentment in a team sport like basketball.”

Now let’s fast forward to this Wednesday, where the Atlanta Dream revealed that their home opener against the Indiana Fever has been relocated from Gateway Center Arena to State Farm Arena. That’ll allow the team to sell another 13,000 tickets for this game on May 22.

Larry Gottesdiener, the majority owner of the Dream, claims the team had to relocate its game against the Fever due to a scheduling conflict.

“We have invested significant resources and energy into making Gateway Center Arena the most unique home-court experience in the WNBA,” Gottesdiener said. “However, due to a scheduling conflict at Gateway, we saw an opportunity to bring this exciting early-season matchup to State Farm Arena, allowing even more fans to experience it. We appreciate the hospitality.”

WNBA fans aren’t buying this statement from Gottesdiener.

Caitlin Clark against the Atlanta Dream.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 26: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts against the Atlanta Dream on August 26, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Almost every logical fan believes the Dream worked out a deal with State Farm Arena so they could capitalize on Clark’s popularity.

“It’s called The Caitlin Clark Effect,” one fan replied.

“The ‘conflict’ was he wanted to make more money so he scheduled it in a bigger arena,” another fan said. “CC Effect.”

“There is nothing scheduled in that small arena that day. It means Caitlin Clark is coming and we want the business,” a social media user wrote.

“Caitlin Clark is a money-making machine that draws fans to stadiums, and the owners know this and want to make the most of it,” a fourth person commented.

When the Fever faced the Dream on the road during the 2024 season, they competed at State Farm Arena.

We’re not sure why the Dream wouldn’t just be honest about their business strategy.