When Caitlin Clark steps on the court, the world stops. Okay, maybe not the entire world—but certainly basketball fans and anyone with a pulse and access to ESPN. At just 22 years old, Clark has done what most thought was impossible: she’s made WNBA games appointment television. And now, TIME Magazine has given her a crown befitting her meteoric rise, naming her their 2024 Athlete of the Year.
But let’s be honest, did we expect anything less? Clark isn’t just playing basketball; she’s running a basketball masterclass. Her rookie year in the WNBA has been nothing short of a blockbuster movie, filled with long-range bombs that make Steph Curry double-check his stats and a level of swagger that’s pure box office gold.
Clark-mania Hits the WNBA
After bulldozing through NCAA records (shoutout to Pete Maravich, whose Division I scoring record is now just a footnote in history), Clark waltzed into the WNBA and instantly turned the Indiana Fever into must-watch television. If you’ve never heard the words “Indiana Fever” and “must-watch” in the same sentence, well, that’s kind of the point.
Her 30-foot three-pointers? They’re not just shots; they’re heat-seeking missiles with a side of razzle-dazzle. And the fans can’t get enough. Fever games became the hottest ticket in town, with arenas packed and TV ratings skyrocketing. Some WNBA rookies bring potential; Clark brought a cultural reset.
Breaking Records and Breaking Ankles
In a year where most rookies are just trying not to trip on their own shoelaces, Clark decided to go ahead and rewrite the WNBA record books. Most three-pointers in a rookie season? Check. Most assists? Check. Turning casual fans into diehard enthusiasts? Double-check.
And then there’s the $28 million Nike endorsement deal, which is not only the largest for any women’s basketball player but also a solid flex for anyone who thought women’s sports couldn’t draw big money. “I’m honored to represent women’s sports in this way,” Clark said. Translation: I’m here to secure the bag and change the game.
“Historic” Doesn’t Even Begin to Cover It
When Clark called her 2024 “historic,” she wasn’t just tooting her own horn. Her championship game against South Carolina in college drew a staggering 18.9 million viewers, second only to the time the U.S. women’s soccer team broke America’s collective heart in a World Cup final.
“It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” Clark reflected. But let’s not play coy—Clark dragged the WNBA into the spotlight with a finesse that feels almost effortless. She’s made women’s basketball cool. Think about that for a second.
The Future? Buckle Up
For Clark, this is just the beginning. “I want to be someone young girls can look up to,” she said, which, judging by the hordes of kids wearing her jersey, she’s already nailed. Her ability to turn a routine Tuesday-night WNBA game into a prime-time spectacle has set a new standard for what women’s basketball can be.
With her bold personality and supernova skillset, Clark isn’t just a player; she’s a movement. And if this is just year one, imagine what’s coming next. Time to grab some popcorn, because the Caitlin Clark show is far from over.
