When you’re Caitlin Clark, you’d think the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft would be the kind of dream-come-true, champagne-popping, glitter-confetti moment where everything just clicks. Instead, for the Indiana Fever star, it was a blur of disappointment, missed selfies, and the bitter realization that being drafted isn’t all glamor. Spoiler: no Instagram-perfect moments happened that night.
On the Fresh Talk podcast, Clark took a break from breaking records and dropping dimes to open up about her less-than-perfect draft experience. “I was so upset because after I got drafted, I just got dragged out immediately, and I didn’t get to see any of the draft,” she told her former Iowa teammates Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, and podcast host Jada Gyamfi.
You heard that right. The queen of the hardwood, who had just become the first pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, didn’t even get to see her teammates get drafted! Talk about a major FOMO moment. “I had my phone, but I really couldn’t go on it. I didn’t even get to see Kate get drafted… It made me really upset.” You’ve got to feel for her—draft night, and not even a peek at the action? The injustice!
Clark’s frustrations didn’t end there. After making history and solidifying her future as a WNBA star, she expected to have a moment to soak it all in. Instead, she was whisked away for endless interviews, photoshoots, and ugh obligations. You know, the kind where they hand you a mic and say, “Now tell us how excited you are!” when all you want to do is hug your family and post something profound on Instagram.
“I didn’t even take pictures with my family, [boyfriend] Connor McCaffery—no one,” she said. Imagine that. The biggest night of your life, and not a single pic to prove it. You might as well say it didn’t even happen.
Meanwhile, her teammate Kate Martin, drafted at No. 18 by the Las Vegas Aces, was just chilling in the audience, taking it all in like it was a Sunday brunch, watching the drama unfold. Must be nice, right?
But Clark, ever the superstar, eventually found a way to celebrate. After the whirlwind of cameras and reporters finally left her alone, she and her entourage—family, boyfriend, friends—hit up The Fleur Room, an ultra-luxe lounge in Manhattan. Pictures from the night show everyone smiling, sipping cocktails, and pretending the chaos of the draft night didn’t happen. Better late than never, right?
Rookie Royalty
Despite the draft night drama, Clark has been nothing short of unstoppable since joining the WNBA. Her rookie season was basically a highlight reel on loop. We’re talking record-breaking performances, an All-Star selection, and a shiny 2024 Rookie of the Year trophy to add to her already overflowing shelf of accolades. Yeah, she’s that good.
However, even with all her success, Clark remains non-committal about a tantalizing offer from the newly-founded Unrivaled League, a flashy 3-on-3 basketball competition founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. They’re reportedly dangling a cool $1 million (and some extra revenue-sharing goodies) in front of her to get her to join during the WNBA offseason. Let’s be real, a million dollars to play some 3-on-3? Not the worst gig in the world.
But who knows? Maybe Clark, after her less-than-perfect draft night, is just waiting for an event that actually lives up to the hype. Until then, we’ll keep watching as she continues to dominate the court—and hopefully get a few selfies along the way.
Stay tuned. The Caitlin Clark show is just getting started.
