Move over, basketball court; Caitlin Clark is about to own the stage! The WNBA’s Rookie of the Year—and let’s face it, the unofficial MVP of our hearts—is set to bring her star power to Kansas City for the annual Women’s Sports Awards luncheon on February 4. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be BIG, like T-Mobile Center big, because Clark doesn’t do “small.”
Clark: More Than Just Buckets and Buzz
Caitlin Clark isn’t just lighting up scoreboards; she’s practically rewriting the script for women’s sports. From her jaw-dropping three-pointers to her jaw-dropping earnings (more on that later), Clark is a one-woman highlight reel. And now, she’s trading her sneakers for a microphone—though knowing Clark, she’ll probably nail a three-pointer from the stage too.
Big Venue, Bigger Paycheck
This year, the luncheon moves to the T-Mobile Center, home to Big 12 tournaments. Coincidence? Hardly. As ESPN’s Michael Voepel noted, “Clark’s presence makes it even bigger.” Translation: the T-Mobile Center probably had to add extra seats after Clark fans RSVP’d.
Oh, and about that paycheck: Clark is set to pocket a cool $100,000 for this gig. For context, that’s more than the $76,000 she earned playing a full WNBA season. Imagine showing up to your side hustle and making 30% more than your main job. Classic Clark—breaking records everywhere, including the bank.
A Day for Women in Sports
The event, presented by Burns and McDonnell, isn’t just about Clark. It’s part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, celebrating female athletes and their impact. But let’s be real: with Clark as the headliner, every other speaker might as well just open with, “Yeah, we can’t top that.”
Taylor Obersteadt, director of WIN for KC, couldn’t contain her excitement:
“As we recognize incredible women and girls who have made an impact through sports in the Kansas City area, it’s an honor to have one of the preeminent athletes in the world—Caitlin Clark—at the Women’s Sports Awards.”
Translation: “We basically booked Beyoncé for basketball fans.”
Clark’s Charity Hustle
Clark isn’t just raking in cash for herself; she’s also raising it for charity like the philanthropic superstar she is. Recently, she signed a basketball for Luigi Gallace, the owner of an Italian restaurant. The ball went on to raise $1,000 for the Toys for Tots charity.
Let’s break this down:
- A random fan gets a signed ball.
- The ball ends up at an auction.
- Boom, $1,000 raised for kids in need.
Forget six degrees of separation; Clark can make magic happen in three steps or less.
The Star We Can’t Stop Watching
Caitlin Clark isn’t just a basketball player; she’s a phenomenon. Whether she’s draining buzzer-beaters or signing basketballs for a cause, she’s rewriting the playbook for what it means to be a sports star in 2024.
So, Kansas City, get ready. February 4 is shaping up to be the hottest ticket in town, and if Clark brings even half the energy she shows on the court, the T-Mobile Center might need a new roof.
Oh, and to the folks at the luncheon: better practice your applause. With Caitlin Clark in the house, you’ll be clapping all afternoon.