In a year marked by shattered records and soaring popularity, one name stands above the rest: Caitlin Clark. The electrifying guard not only led the Iowa Hawkeyes to the national championship game but also became the top pick in the WNBA draft, setting the stage for a rookie season that would redefine the boundaries of women’s basketball.
A Season for the Ages
Clark’s senior year at Iowa was nothing short of legendary. She broke the NCAA Division I career scoring record for both men and women, amassing an astonishing 3,951 points. Her performances in the NCAA Tournament captivated the nation, drawing unprecedented crowds and television audiences.
I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina Gamecocks Coach
Making Her Mark in the WNBA
Clark’s impact extended far beyond her college success. As the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, she arrived in the WNBA with immense expectations—and promptly exceeded them all. Clark shattered the single-game assist record with 19 and finished the season with 337 total assists, a new league record.
Her long-range shooting prowess also translated seamlessly to the professional ranks. Clark reached 100 made 3-pointers faster than any player in WNBA history, accomplishing the feat in just 34 games. Her stellar play helped lead the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Elevating Women’s Sports to New Heights
Perhaps even more significant than her individual achievements was Clark’s impact on the visibility and popularity of women’s basketball as a whole. Attendance records were shattered and TV viewership skyrocketed by 300% for games featuring Clark and the Fever.
- The 2024 WNBA draft, headlined by Clark, was the most-watched in league history with 2.4 million viewers.
- For the first time ever, the NCAA women’s championship game outdrew the men’s, attracting 18.9 million viewers—the second-most for any women’s sporting event outside the Olympics.
She’s brought unprecedented attention both in the building, but also viewership to the sport that was worthy of it but didn’t have it yet. There’s never been anything like this.
Rebecca Lobo, Former WNBA Star and ESPN Analyst
As Clark herself is quick to point out, her success is part of a broader rise in the popularity of women’s sports. Still, there’s no denying her central role in accelerating that growth and inspiring a new generation of fans and aspiring players alike.
Just the Beginning
With her rookie season in the books, Clark now sets her sights on even greater heights. If her meteoric rise so far is any indication, the best is yet to come—both for Caitlin Clark and the sport of women’s basketball as a whole. As fans eagerly await her sophomore campaign, one thing is abundantly clear: we are witnessing the dawn of a thrilling new era, and Caitlin Clark is leading the charge.
