Move over, history books—Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are rewriting the narrative of women’s basketball one crossover and endorsement deal at a time. But here’s the kicker: They’re cashing checks for privileges Sue Bird could only dream of in her college days.
Sue Bird, the Seattle Storm icon and certified basketball royalty, recently dished out some hard truths on The Deal podcast by Bloomberg Originals. The conversation? How Clark and Bueckers are not just dominating on the court but off it—thanks to the game-changing powers of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). “When I was at UConn, I had a huge following,” Bird reminisced. “But that didn’t transfer to the WNBA.” Translation: Sue had the talent but no NIL fairy godmother sprinkling dollar signs over her career.
Now? NIL is the MVP, turning college phenoms into full-blown marketing titans before they even hit the WNBA draft stage.
Caitlin Clark: Breaking Records, Nets, and Bank Accounts
Caitlin Clark’s rookie year wasn’t just memorable—it was a headline-devouring, record-shattering spectacle. With a net worth of $3.8 million (yep, you read that right), Clark isn’t just a baller; she’s a brand. From buzzer-beaters to broadcast boosts, she’s single-handedly reinvigorating the WNBA’s viewership. Fun fact: If records had feelings, they’d probably be terrified of her by now.
As she continues her meteoric rise, basketball fans are already dusting off their popcorn in anticipation of Paige Bueckers entering the 2025 WNBA Draft. Spoiler alert: She’s expected to be the No. 1 pick, and if her UConn fanbase is any indicator, she’ll need a Brinks truck for all those endorsement deals.
Paige Bueckers: The Unstoppable Rookie-in-Waiting
Bueckers, who hasn’t even stepped onto a WNBA court yet, is already a walking Fortune 500 company with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Social media loves her, brands are clamoring for her, and Sue Bird is just sitting back like, “Where was this energy in my day?” With the NIL era removing barriers faster than a Clark fast break, Bueckers is poised to carry her UConn stardom straight into the pros.
Pouring Gasoline on the Fire
Sue Bird isn’t bitter—she’s impressed. “The fire was already burning,” she quipped, “but players like Clark and Bueckers are pouring gasoline on it.” Translation? The WNBA is witnessing a glow-up of epic proportions, and these young stars are the glow sticks.
Legends like Bird and Candace Parker aren’t just hyped—they’re practically holding the door open for the next generation of hoopers to walk through, endorsement deals in tow. For fans, it’s an exciting time. For brands? It’s a feeding frenzy.
What’s Next for Women’s Basketball?
The rise of NIL is more than a financial blessing; it’s an era-defining shift. Clark and Bueckers are proving that the game doesn’t end when the buzzer sounds. They’re inspiring future players to dream big—on the court, in the boardroom, and in their bank accounts.
So, whether you’re tuning in for their jaw-dropping jump shots or their dazzling endorsement portfolios, one thing’s for sure: Women’s basketball isn’t just evolving—it’s thriving. And legends like Bird are here for it, cheering from the sidelines and maybe, just maybe, wondering if NIL was the teammate they never had.
