There are athletes so transcendent that their sports are forever defined by the eras before and after their influence: baseball before and after Babe Ruth, golf before and after Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, basketball before and after Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Now, there will be basketball before and after Caitlin Clark, whose college career at Iowa culminated in an 87-75 loss to South Carolina in the national championship game. She has forever changed her game and how women’s sports are viewed, for the better.
Clark’s impact on the sport has been profound, but some refuse to give her the credit she deserves. Her rise coincided with encouraging signs of change within both college and professional basketball, with owners viewing their franchises as solid investments rather than charity projects. Then came the “Clark tsunami.” An average of 5.5 million viewers tuned in for Iowa’s victory over unbeaten South Carolina in the 2023 Final Four, captivated by her deep three-pointers and unapologetic trash talk. Nearly 13 million people watched the title game against LSU, a record-breaking audience for women’s college basketball.
Clark’s performances have kept interest high this season. Iowa has played to sold-out arenas for almost every game, home and away, each seemingly bringing new ratings records. For instance, 12.3 million people tuned in for the Iowa-LSU rematch for a trip to the Final Four. NBA superstar LeBron James has been a vocal supporter, praising Clark’s game and calling out her detractors. James stated, “If you don’t rock with Caitlin Clark’s game, you’re just a flat-out hater.” He and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry have lauded her three-point shooting and overall playmaking ability.
Despite the widespread praise, some current and former players have been less supportive. Legends like Lynette Woodard and Diana Taurasi have offered critiques, suggesting Clark may face a harsh reality in the WNBA. Taurasi noted that dominating against 18-year-olds won’t be the same as competing against seasoned professionals, emphasizing the different levels of play. Woodard, speaking at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association convention, argued that Clark’s accomplishments aren’t directly comparable to those from her era due to different playing rules, such as the introduction of the three-point line.
Nevertheless, Clark’s achievements are undeniable. She broke the NCAA record for points scored in a career, and her ability to draw massive audiences has turned women’s basketball into must-see TV. Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi, once in Clark’s position, believes that while Clark will be a good pro, she won’t immediately replicate her college dominance in the WNBA. Taurasi highlighted the competitive nature of the league, where veterans fiercely guard their roster spots.
Adding to the discourse, WNBA legend Cheryl Swoopes expressed doubts about Clark’s immediate transition to the pro game. Swoopes pointed out the limited roster spots and the difficulty for rookies to dominate as they did in college. However, Clark’s record-breaking feats suggest she may be an exception.
Amidst the speculation, Ice Cube recently offered Clark a $5 million contract to join his Big3 basketball league, sparking controversy. WNBA star Lexi Brown criticized the offer, urging support for the existing women’s league instead. Brown’s comments highlighted the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect in women’s sports.
Caitlin Clark is undeniably a legend in the making, if she isn’t one already. Her potential to revolutionize the WNBA lies not just in her skills but in her ability to inspire and elevate the game. If her college career is any indication, the WNBA is in for a thrilling transformation, driven by the extraordinary talent and relentless drive of Caitlin Clark.
