Caitlin Clark has the potential to save the WNBA from its mistakes, according to former owner Kelly Loeffler.

A former WNBA owner who is familiar with off-court controversies believes that star Caitlin Clark has the potential to become a transcendent figure that will shift the league's focus back to basketball.

The Atlanta Dream co-owner, Kelly Loeffler, stated that the rookie sensation has been widely celebrated because "she's 100% basketball."

"Loeffler stated that Caitlin is the best chance to return to the focus on pure athletic competition, which is what people desire when they purchase tickets and spend their family's hard-earned money and time to attend a game."

Loeffler, the owner of a WNBA squad, faced backlash from her players who opposed her Republican politics in 2020. After being appointed to a Georgia Senate seat in 2019, she criticized the WNBA's support of Black Lives Matter during her special election campaign the following year. In response, her players wore shirts supporting her Democratic opponent, causing a media uproar.

Despite being known for promoting progressive causes, the league has been criticized for its poor on-court performance, financial losses, and low player salaries and attendance.

Clark, a player from the heartland who led the University of Iowa to consecutive national championship appearances and became the all-time leading scorer in Division I history, has brought unprecedented attention and ratings for the league. Loeffler couldn't be happier for Clark and what she means to the league she loves.

"Caitlin Clark has brought numerous benefits to the WNBA, including chartered private flights for players and increased ticket sales in arenas. Her impact on the league has also attracted global attention."

"The league has an opportunity to recover from its mistakes and refocus on basketball in 2020, after alienating many people with its partisan politics. This is a chance to emphasize the quality of the game and elevate players from diverse backgrounds."

Loeffler, a wealthy business executive who grew up playing basketball in rural Illinois, bought a stake in the Dream with the goal of giving back to the community. She enjoyed strategizing and building a strong culture around the squad, which advanced to the WNBA Finals twice under her leadership.

In 2019, after Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson resigned due to health issues, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler, a prominent Republican donor, to the seat. Loeffler's close ties to former President Trump and her opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement caused tension with the team and the league.

"Loeffler expressed concern when the WNBA announced it would partner with BLM Inc instead of the league's owners, who had invested millions in the league. After visiting the BLM website, Loeffler discovered that the organization was founded by self-proclaimed Marxists."

In 2021, after losing her Senate runoff election against Warnock, she sold her stake in the Dream.

Loeffler, while remaining active in GOP politics, has closely watched the WNBA and spoken out in support of Clark as she's received a rough welcome to the league. She recently posted on X that she'd never seen a player treated like Clark.

Clark, who was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever earlier this year, made history before stepping on the court last month with her huge sponsorship deals, including a reported $28-million agreement with Nike. She has helped set attendance and viewership records for the struggling league and generated headlines for everything from strange reporter questions to being snubbed by the U.S. Olympic team.

The game between the Chicago Sky and the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday drew more attention due to a flagrant foul committed by Angel Reese against Chiney Ogwumike. Reese delivered a blow to Ogwumike's head as she drove for a basket, and the incident sparked cultural conversation about how Ogwumike has been treated by other players.

In a recent basketball game, Sky player Chennedy Carter intentionally knocked down Clark, sparking criticism that jealousy and race issues are fueling animosity towards her.

Despite the heated debates on the court, Clark has remained neutral and refrained from making any inflammatory statements. Although the Reese foul on Sunday sparked a lot of discussion on social media, Clark downplayed it as a standard move.

"She attempted to play the ball and obtain the block," Clark stated. "It occurs."

The impact of Clark on broader culture is evident, with various media outlets, including ESPN and "The View," discussing her rise. An ESPN panelist expressed concern last week that she would be used as a "avatar" to criticize the league's Black players, while some liberal media personalities have attributed her fame to being White and straight.

Last week, Clark stated that she had no control over her name being involved in the culture wars and would ignore the commotion.

Basketball is my job, and I won't let external factors distract me. People can discuss whatever they want, but I'm focused on my game.

Clark has been commended by Loeffler for her ability to handle intense media scrutiny and the numerous commentators from both sides of the political spectrum who have attempted to make her a political lightning rod.

"I agree with Loeffler. We need more strength, grace, and sportsmanship in the WNBA. She's doing it right and I think she should keep doing what she's doing. She doesn't need advice from me. She's a professional and she's working hard to outwork everyone."

Planet Chronicle' Nikolas Lanum and Ryan Morik contributed to this report.