Episode 27 | WNBA's Officiating Crisis Boils Over, All-Star Snubs, NWSL's Record Return

The WNBA's officiating controversy hit a new level this week, and Alex and Caitlin dig into why the Alyssa Thomas–Caitlin Clark incident is really about years of inconsistent officiating, not one bad night.A viral still frame of Alyssa Thomas's hand landing on Caitlin Clark's neck during a loose-ball scramble turned into a media firestorm, complete with a flagrant-two review, a one-game suspension, and a wave of racist threats directed at Thomas and her partner DeWanna Bonner. Alex and Caitlin unpack what actually happened on the floor, why the missed call in real time is the real story, and what it says about the WNBA's ongoing struggle to get officiating right heading into the All-Star break.This week we dig into:The Alyssa Thomas–Caitlin Clark officiating controversy: the flagrant-two review, the suspension, the online abuse that followed, and why "we're playing a game" doesn't excuse any of itWNBA All-Star starter breakdown: the fan-vote-heavy formula that put three Indiana Fever players in the starting lineup, and why Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young missed out on starter spots despite elite numbersWNBA standings check-in: Minnesota's hot start, Golden State's four-game win streak under Natalie Nakase, and Atlanta's five-game slide right before the breakNWSL's return from the World Cup window: Gotham FC's Challenge Cup win, a sold-out 30,000-ticket Queens Classic, and new rules including a 10-second substitution clock and a fan code of conduct with real consequencesNWSL results: San Diego stays on top and Utah Royals' 10-match unbeaten streak finally snapsWe also cover Wimbledon's wild week (Naomi Osaka's upset of Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff's curfew-beating comeback), Michele Kang becoming Lyon's sole majority owner, Alexia Putellas signing with London City Lionesses, and Marie-Philippe Poulin's upcoming knee surgery.Follow Raising the Game for weekly women's sports coverage.Instagram/Threads/YouTube: @rtg_podWebsite: rtgpod.comSubstack: substack.com/@raisingthegamepodcastEmail: [email protected]