Zachary Nunn

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has called for the WNBA to better protect Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark in a letter to league commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

In a letter released on social media on Wednesday, July 8, and signed by Nunn and 10 fellow members of the Republican Study Committee, the lawmakers argue that since turning pro in 2024, Clark has been the driving force behind the surge in WNBA fan interest. Despite this, they note, she continues to face "repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence on the court."

The document references the June 24 game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Fever, in which Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas's punch to Clark's throat went uncalled in real time by officials but was later upgraded to a flagrant 2 by the league.

The incident attracted widespread attention online and sparked discussion about Clark's physical treatment in the WNBA. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the play on July 6, describing Clark as having been treated "rather rough" and calling it a "pretty bad event."

"These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable," the July 8 letter said.

Thomas called the contact with Clark "a complete accident" and said she has received death threats and racial slurs since the play. Clark said afterward she condemns the harassment and hate directed at Thomas and other WNBA players.

What did lawmakers say about violence against Caitlin Clark?

The lawmakers' letter continues, alleging that current WNBA players have openly encouraged violence against Clark, "further fueling concerns about the culture surrounding these incidents."

"In addition, concerning reports suggest that many of these attacks against Caitlin Clark may be racially motivated," the letter reads. "As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation."

The lawmakers wrote that they would support investigations by the Department of Justice, Department of Labor or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

"It is imperative that the WNBA take meaningful action to address this issue," they wrote. "The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected. Your fans deserve better, and so do the young girls who look to the WNBA as a model for excellence, sportsmanship, and opportunity."

Following Thomas' comments about the backlash she has received, Engelbert issued a statement saying the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."

"The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league's top priority," Engelbert said in a statement released June 30. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas' comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players."

What do Zach Nunn and other Republican Study Committee members want from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert?

The letter ends with the lawmakers requesting answers to the following questions by July 24, the opening night of the WNBA's All‑Star festivities in Chicago.

What is your review mechanism for physical hostility and violence on the court?

How will you hold players accountable for overly aggressive actions on the court, including towards Caitlin Clark?

What steps are you taking to protect WNBA players from online harassment and off the court threats?

In a statement to IndyStar reporter Chloe Peterson, the Fever said the organization and Clark were unaware of the letter and had not interacted with the congressional group that sent it.

"We have been clear in our public comments and in our ongoing dialogue with the league about the priority of player safety," the team said. "Our players and our fans know where we stand on those issues, and we will continue to stick up for our team and a standard of excellence across the league."

The WNBA or Clark have yet to publicly comment. Indiana next plays Wednesday night at 9 p.m. CT against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Nunn, who has represented Iowa's 3rd Congressional District since 2023, is seeking his third term in this fall's 2026 election.

USA TODAY reporter Cydney Henderson contributed to this report.