Forbes just dropped its 30 Under 30 Sports list for 2024, and as usual, it’s making waves—and not all of them are smooth. The magazine, known for sprinkling accolades like confetti, has once again courted controversy with its picks. Headlining the basketball contingent is Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark, whose jaw-dropping rookie year has fans in awe. But wait—where’s Paige Bueckers? What about WNBA royalty like A’ja Wilson? Did Forbes misplace their scouting reports?
Forbes Scores, But Misses Wide Open Layups
Caitlin Clark, fresh off a historic Rookie of the Year campaign, leads the basketball names on the list. Joining her are LSU Tigers’ Flau’jae Johnson and the Cavinder twins—Haley and Hanna—of Miami Hurricanes fame. While Clark’s inclusion is a slam dunk, fans are scratching their heads over some glaring omissions.
“Where’s Bueckers? A’ja?? Forbes playing games out here,” one fan lamented online. Another chimed in, “Cavinder twins on here above Bueckers or Angel Reese is kinda wild, lmao.”
Let’s be clear: Clark had a year most rookies can only dream of. She led the Fever, boosted league ratings, and made the All-Star team in her first year. Her ability to pull off no-look passes and half-court bombs has fans calling her the Steph Curry of the WNBA. Still, A’ja Wilson—who led the Las Vegas Aces to back-to-back championships—seems like a glaring miss. Oh wait, she was already on the list in 2021. Maybe Forbes should’ve put an asterisk on that for clarity.
Cavinder Twins, But No Juju or Paige?
Then there’s the Cavinder twins. Sure, they’ve got game, and their TikTok fame certainly helps their case, but fans are side-eyeing this choice. “Cavinder twins but no Juju or Paige…yeah, okay,” tweeted a skeptical fan. Others pointed out that Paige Bueckers has been dominating headlines since high school, and Juju Watkins’ ascent is impossible to ignore.
Some fans even campaigned for Napheesa Collier, who, along with Breanna Stewart, founded the Unrivaled League—an independent women’s league aimed at keeping players sharp during the WNBA offseason. “If that’s not under 30 innovation, what is?” a fan argued.
Caitlin Clark for World Sport Star?
Adding to her list of accolades, Clark is also in the running for the BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year. Sharing the stage with global icons like Simone Biles and Armand Duplantis, Clark’s nomination is a testament to her meteoric rise. Let’s just hope she remembers to leave some awards for the rest of us.
Forbes Lists: The Gift That Keeps On Giving (Drama)
The 30 Under 30 list sparks debate every year, and this edition is no exception. While Forbes has a knack for stirring the pot, it’s worth noting that a person can only make the list once. A’ja Wilson’s name already graced it in 2021, and Angel Reese made her mark earlier this year. But that technicality doesn’t stop fans from demanding answers.
For now, Caitlin Clark continues to bask in the spotlight—and deservedly so. But if Forbes wants to avoid the wrath of WNBA Twitter next year, they might want to keep an extra eye on their scouting reports.
So, who’s next? Juju Watkins? Aliyah Boston? Maybe Forbes will surprise us again—or not. Either way, the debate rages on, and we’re here for it.
