WNBA rivals are 'jealous' of Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever's surge in popularity, teammate claims

Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has heard the haters when it comes to her team and its biggest star.

Hull spoke to Glamour Magazine as a part of their cover story for Women of the Year.

In that discussion, Hull spoke about the rising media attention around the WNBA - especially with the spotlight shining brightest on her teammate, Caitlin Clark.

'I think there is a level of jealousy when it comes to the Fever, just because of the media attention and the fans that have shown up for us ever since Caitlin got here,' Hull said of Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. 

'We've heard people and players and teams talking in their locker room about, "We can't let the Fever win."'

While Clark's popularity from college carried over into the pro ranks, it has also led to plenty of envy and hatred from rivals.

Hull, who was picked sixth overall in 2022 out of Stanford, is welcoming the negativity and the drive to beat Indiana.

'If you have extra motivation to beat us because of something out of our control, that's fine, if that's what it takes for you guys to come and try extra hard,' she said. 

'I think a little bit of that is needed across the league. … Everyone should feel like they're getting everyone else's best, and I do feel like we get everyone else's best.'

Last season, the Fever finished 24-20 after a series of injuries kept multiple players out.

Not only did Clark miss more than half of the season with groin and quad injuries, Hull also sat out a chunk of the season.

Others who missed significant time included guards Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald.

In the playoffs, the Fever fell to the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces.