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Tag: Caitlin Clark – English

  • WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    Caitlin Clark’s stellar debut WNBA season earned her the Associated Press (AP) Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2024. While the latter accolade was expected after Clark’s meteoric rise, it wasn’t without controversy, as a few votes went to other athletes, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif, whose Paris Olympics performance stirred public debate.

    Clark secured 35 of the 74 votes from AP journalists, while Biles received 25. Khelif placed third with four votes, despite widespread criticism surrounding her inclusion in the voting due to controversies related to gender debates during her Olympic run. The voting sparked a passionate response from WNBA fans, many of whom took to social media to defend Clark’s win and criticize the panel’s decisions.

    Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever

    “Khelif getting any votes is absurd,” one fan wrote, referencing the backlash surrounding Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Others expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the votes, with one quipping, “Must’ve been Caitlin Clark’s ‘privilege’ that got her named Female Athlete of the Year-because dominating the court and redefining women’s basketball isn’t enough anymore.”

    Clark, who addressed issues of race and privilege in her TIME Athlete of the Year profile, has faced polarized reactions from fans. While many praised her for using her platform to support Black athletes, others criticized her comments as unnecessary or performative. “CC disappointed me with her white privilege crap, but she is very talented. Glad to see an actual woman win this award,” one social media user posted.

    Caitlin Clark’s historic impact on Women’s Basketball

    Despite the drama, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. ESPN analyst and former AP Female Athlete of the Year Rebecca Lobo praised Clark for bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. “She’s elevated the sport in a way we’ve never seen before,” Lobo told AP, adding that Clark’s composure under scrutiny has been remarkable.

    Clark’s Indiana Fever team shattered attendance records, averaging over 17,000 fans per game, while the WNBA saw a 48% overall increase in attendance compared to the previous season. Her Rookie of the Year campaign was capped by game-changing performances that drew millions of viewers, bolstering the league’s profile.

    The uproar over the voting also highlights ongoing cultural debates in sports, with some fans expressing frustration at the inclusion of athletes like Khelif in categories traditionally reserved for women (even if she is one).

    As Clark continues to shine, the controversy underscores her dual role as an athlete and cultural figure navigating the complexities of modern sports.



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  • Shohei Ohtani and Caitlin Clark top list of most influential athletes

    Shohei Ohtani and Caitlin Clark top list of most influential athletes

    The year 2024 has been an exceptional one for American sports, as not only have leagues and teams generated great profits, but athletes, individually, have multiplied their earnings thanks to contracts and earnings off the field through their commercial arrangements.

    When basketball player Caitlin Clark won TIME’s Athlete of the Year, many thought the title should have gone to Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani, but now it seems the two mega athletes have found common ground thanks to their earnings, according to essentiallysports.com.

    Caitlin Clark shines in first workout with new Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White

    Sports Business Journal (SBJ) published its list of the most influential people in the sports business and at the top are Clark and Ohtani, who SBJ describes as “newcomers”.

    Others include Elliott Hill, Michele Kang, Pat McAfee, Egon Durban, Greg Mondre and Edward Rogers. SBJ makes it clear that no name is at the top and the list is not ranked.

    Ohtani and Clark’s salaries are diametrically opposed

    Although Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Dodgers was just surpassed by Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the Mets, the Japanese star remains one of the highest-earning athletes in sports.

    His net worth currently stands at $85.3 million, according to Forbes.

    While Clark’s salary in the WNBA is $76,535 for 2024, as part of a four-year, $338,056 contract.

    Shohei Ohtani: Raising the bar for american Baseball with Japanese culture

    However, it is their sponsors and other deals that have helped propel their names onto this list.

    Indiana Fever Gaurd, the WNBA team Clark plays for, currently sponsors brands such as Nike, Goldman Sachs, Wilson, Gatorade, State Farm, Gainbridge, and more.

    Ohtani and Clark steal the spotlight in professional sports

    However, despite all the attention she attracted to the WNBA this year, many thought that the TIME honor should have gone to the World Series-winning Dodgers baseball player.

    After all, not everyone can sign a record-breaking contract never seen before in all sports, in addition to winning the MLB MVP, and then lead their team to the World Series.

    In addition, Ohtani made history by inaugurating the 50/50 club in MLB (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases).

    Shohei Ohtani is clearly in a league of his own and he wasn’t even pitching this year. However, it could be similarly argued that no one has had a better rookie season than the WNBA Rookie of the Year, nor has anyone singularly affected the sport quite like No. 22 has.

    Since Ohtani burst onto the scene, he has been hyped and lived up to it spectacularly. An outstanding player in Japan in 2017, his arrival as a two-way player was sure to mark a shift in the way baseball was played in the United States, and so it proved.

    But it’s been like this for more than eight years. In that almost decade, no one gets tired of talking about the Japanese marvel, while Caitlin Clark is slightly different, newer and her fame is not even half a decade old.

    Before that, she was a collegiate sensation with Iowa and has just finished her first season as a professional athlete.

    “I don’t know what athlete had a better year than her. What athlete? Tell me, I’m listening,” Ma$se said on the Come and Talk 2 Me podcast.

    “She took a college team that didn’t have anybody to the NCAA Championship. Then she took a team that hadn’t been in the playoffs in years in Indiana to the playoffs. Then she broke all the WNBA rookie records along the way while doing it,” he added.

    Leaving aside the overall success of the teams (because a player can only do so much for herself if her team does not help equally), the impact of Caitlin Clark has been singular for many observers, and she has just finished her first year.



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  • WNBA players suggest Caitlin Clark 'park' basketball and make a surprising career move

    WNBA players suggest Caitlin Clark 'park' basketball and make a surprising career move

    Caitlin Clark continues to redefine excellence in sports, becoming the first WNBA player to be named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year.

    While this recognition cements her status as a trailblazer in basketball, it has also sparked an unexpected conversation: could modeling be her next move?

    Caitlin Clark’s nasty crossovers and superb shooting are some of the reasons why she was named TIME’s Athlete of the Year

    The 22-year-old Indiana Fever star, who is celebrated for her remarkable skills on the court, shared her TIME feature on Instagram with the caption “TIME Athlete of the Year” and gave a nod to the creative team behind the shoot.

    The announcement drew admiration from fans and public figures alike, with comments highlighting her influence both on and off the court.

    “Not female athlete of the year, ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. Goat!” one fan enthused, while another remarked, “Hot, smart, and talented?! What can’t you do?”

    Celebrities also chimed in, with Gracie Hunt, heiress to the Kansas City Chiefs, calling Clark “so deserving,” and Kristin Juszczyk adding, “Well deserved!”

    Clark‘s recognition wasn’t just a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for her peers to suggest a surprising career pivot.

    Gabbie Marshall, Clark‘s former Iowa teammate, commented, “Maybe it’s TIME to get into modeling?????” and even shared the sentiment on her Instagram story with a proud message.

    Other WNBA stars joined in the playful suggestions. Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty chimed in with, “A MF model,” while Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink added, “Congrats, model,” in a nod to the TIME feature.

    These comments highlight not only Clark’s commanding presence on the court but also her growing influence in pop culture.

    Her peers’ lighthearted remarks reflect how Clark’s charisma and elegance make her a natural fit for the modeling world, adding another dimension to her already inspiring story.

    A Stellar Year for Clark

    This accolade follows a groundbreaking rookie season in the WNBA. Clark was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year, became an All-Star, and secured a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.

    Her contributions to the league’s immense growth are undeniable, with many crediting her for bringing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball.

    Clark‘s TIME honor and the buzz surrounding it underscore her unique ability to connect with audiences, whether through her athletic prowess or her off-court persona.

    As her career continues to soar, fans and peers alike will eagerly watch to see where she leaves her mark next-be it on the basketball court or in the world of fashion.



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  • Caitlin Clark sets new non-playing record that brings her dangerously close to Serena Williams

    Caitlin Clark sets new non-playing record that brings her dangerously close to Serena Williams

    There is nobody quite like Caitlin Clark right now. The Indiana Fever star is transcending not only women’s basketball, but basketball as a whole, and the records just keep falling for the former Iowa Hawkeye.

    Even now, in December, months after the season’s end, Clark is still racking up records.

    A’ja Wilson’s team savage take on Caitlin Clarks’ Indiana Fever as part of the 2025 WNBA schedule release

    Caitlin Clark autographed card

    A one-of-a-kind card autographed by Clark has recently sold for almost a quarter of a million dollars – $234,850, to be precise – becoming the second-highest sale for any women’s sports card. Now, Clark just just behind the tennis and sporting legend that is Serena Williams. Williams‘ path card holds the record at $266,400.

    It isn’t the first time that a Clark card has made waves this year either. In September 2024 she had the highest-selling women’s basketball card at ‘just’ $84,000, but this latest sale has blown that figure out of the water.

    This card sows Caitlin in her Fever gear, and it had sold for $10,000 on WNBA Draft night.

    Clark’s influence goes beyond basketball

    Clark has recently joined a group bidding to secure an NWSL franchise in Cincinnati, and the WNBA star is taking as active an involvement as possible.

    It is clear that her involvement is helping to elevate things to another level, just as has been the case in the WNBA since being drafted from a successful NCAA career with the Hawkeyes.

    With all of this, and more, to consider, it’s easy to see why fans of the 23-year-old believe her to be the most marketable person around at the moment.

    What’s frightening, though, is that she’s only getting started.



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  • Skip Bayless' unfiltered take on Caitlin Clark's bold decision

    Skip Bayless' unfiltered take on Caitlin Clark's bold decision

    Caitlin Clark’s every move has become a headline, and for good reason. The Indiana Fever’s rising star has been a transformative figure in the WNBA, captivating fans and driving viewership to record levels in her rookie season. So, when whispers about her potential participation in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league began circulating, excitement was palpable.

    Unrivaled, set to debut in Miami this January, boasts a roster packed with WNBA superstars. Fans eagerly awaited Clark’s inclusion among the final names announced for the league, hopeful she would bring her dynamic playmaking to the innovative competition. However, Clark stunned supporters on Wednesday when it was revealed she had opted out, choosing to remain focused on her WNBA career instead.

    Unusual autograph request leaves Caitlin Clark uncomfortable on the golf course

    The decision sparked heated debates online, and few voices were louder-or sharper-than Skip Bayless. The outspoken sportscaster wasted no time sharing his unfiltered opinion, praising Clark’s choice. “Good for Caitlin Clark not playing in this new 3-on-3 league,”Bayless posted on X. “After all the jealousy and resentment she felt last season- all the cheap shots and bullying attempts- she made a late-season run at MVP. SHE’S the reason WNBA popularity exploded last season. She doesn’t need 3-on-3.”

    Bayless’ commentary struck a nerve, framing Clark’s absence as a power move. He emphasized how her resilience during her rookie year, overcoming intense scrutiny and physical play, established her as the WNBA’s marquee attraction. In his eyes, participating in Unrivaled would have been a step down for a player who had already become the face of the league.

    Star-studded Unrivaled debut faces a Caitlin Clark-sized void

    Unrivaled, meanwhile, has drawn considerable star power for its debut season. Founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier will suit up alongside league headliners such as Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Arike Ogunbowale. Even Clark’s fierce rival, Angel Reese, has committed to the tournament, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

    Interestingly, Clark’s decision leaves her Indiana Fever teammates, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, as two of the players representing the franchise in Unrivaled. The Fever duo joins a roster stacked with talent, but Clark’s absence is undeniably the most significant storyline surrounding the league’s launch.

    For fans, the decision may feel bittersweet. On one hand, Clark’s choice solidifies her focus on building her legacy in the WNBA. On the other, it underscores the challenge Unrivaled faces in securing all of the league’s top-tier stars. With its current roster, the league is poised for an exciting debut, but Clark’s absence serves as a reminder of just how influential she has become in such a short time.

    As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s every move will continue to shape the narrative of women’s basketball. Whether on or off the court, her decisions carry weight-and Skip Bayless, for one, believes she’s made the right call.



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  • Paige Bueckers set to transform WNBA landscape as wings secure top pick

    Paige Bueckers set to transform WNBA landscape as wings secure top pick

    The Los Angeles Sparks have been dealt another harsh blow by the WNBA Draft Lottery, missing out on the top pick for the second straight year. Instead, the Dallas Wings secured the coveted No. 1 spot, likely giving them the chance to draft UConn sensation Paige Bueckers a player widely projected as a future superstar in the league.

    During a watch party for the draft lottery, Sparks players watched in disbelief as their team was awarded the second pick. Audible groans and stunned reactions filled the room, with one voice in the background summing up the frustration: “Seriously?” The Sparks had the worst record in the league last season at 8-32, giving them a 44.2% chance to claim the top pick. However, fortune smiled on the Wings, who had only a 22.7% chance.

    Paige Bueckers sinks a no-look half court shot during practice

    History repeats itself for Los Angeles

    This disappointment is eerily similar to last year’s lottery, when the Sparks also landed the No. 2 pick, missing out on Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. They used that selection to draft Stanford’s Cameron Brink, who showed promise but had her rookie season cut short by an ACL injury.

    Despite the setback, Sparks leadership remains optimistic. “We’re ecstatic to land the No. 2 pick in this draft and have the opportunity to add a dynamic player to our organization,” said Sparks GM Karen Bryant. With two first-round picks in 2025, the team sees this as another step in rebuilding toward championship contention.

    Paige Bueckers: a game-changer for Dallas

    For the Wings, securing Bueckers could redefine their future. The UConn star, known for her elite playmaking and scoring ability, has confirmed this will be her final year in college despite having another year of eligibility. Her addition would bolster a Dallas team undergoing significant changes, including a new head coach and general manager.

    UConn coach Geno Auriemma expressed confidence in Bueckers‘ adaptability, saying, “Paige is going to be all right wherever she goes.”

    The 2025 WNBA Draft, set for April 14, will undoubtedly mark a pivotal moment for both the Wings and Sparks. While Los Angeles grapples with dj vu, Dallas appears poised to welcome a franchise-altering talent.



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  • Caitlin Clark makes an unexpected revelation about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts

    Caitlin Clark makes an unexpected revelation about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts

    Caitlin Clark has a lot to look forward to. The WNBA‘s Rookie of the Year has revived the once-moribund Indiana Fever franchise, steering it into the 2024 playoffs under since-fired head coach Christie Sides. With the well-regarded Stephanie White now in charge, Clark and the Fever are just opening up a championship contention window that could easily last for the remainder of the decade.

    But off the court, Clark is similar to a lot of other people in that she really likes the Kansas City Chiefs — and really, really likes Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Swift‘s music is “enchanting” to Clark, who revealed not only how many times she has seen Swift on her globe-spanning Eras Tour, but the message she has taken away from each show.

    Clark: Swift just keeps getting better

    During a panel discussion at the Women’s Leadership Summit, Clark revealed she has seen three concerts on the 149-show Eras Tour, which wraps up next month. During Swift’s recent shows in — where else — Indianapolis, Clark took to Instagram Stories to post a photo of her many friendship bracelets (a must-have accessory for Swifties) and a snippet of the track “Enchanted“, which is one of her favorites.

    “Every time, the show gets better,” Clark said about Swift’s concerts.”And you leave even a bigger fan.”

    Of the top 35 albums on the Billboard 200 chart on Tuesday, five of them belong to Swift, whose fame has entered a new stratosphere thanks to her historically-successful Eras Tour. Her highly-publicized relationship with Kelce has introduced her to the NFL and its fans, offering the most popular sports league in the United States a unique opportunity to reach a brand-new audience of nascent football viewers.

    But as Clark can attest, Swift’s appeal is much broader than that of one sport or one genre; she has millions of fans all over the world and is the standard-bearer in a new era of pop music…just like Clark is at the forefront of a new era in women’s basketball, with viewership numbers higher than ever before in 2024, down in part to Clark’s entry into the WNBA.



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  • Caitlin Clark “dunks” with Tyrese Haliburton's assist for a good cause

    Caitlin Clark “dunks” with Tyrese Haliburton's assist for a good cause

    Whether on or off the court, Caitlin Clark has proven to be a master in the art of the dunk. If you don’t believe it, ask Tyrese Haliburton, who recently gave the Indiana Fever guard an “assist” that the WNBA star turned into a heartfelt score.

    If there is one thing that has distinguished Clark in her rising career, apart from her talent, it is her heart of gold. Whether donating winter clothing for underprivileged youth or using her platform to collect donations for all kinds of worthy causes, Clark never stops helping.

    Maybe, the top example of the Fever star’s altruism is the Caitlin Clark Foundation, through which she aims to improve the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities. With that background, it’s no surprise that the former Iowa Hawkeye responded to Haliburton’s call to help those in need.

    Clark and Haliburton united for a great cause

    On Monday night, the Indiana Pacers hosted the “Come to Our House Season of Giving Dinner” for the 27th consecutive year at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to distribute hot meals to homeless people in Indianapolis.

    Haliburtonhas hosted the charity event since he was traded to the Pacers in 2022 and this year he invited Clark, Lexie Hull, and Karima Christmas-Kelly, guard and assistant coach of the Fever, respectively.

    The three WNBA stars put on an apron with Haliburton to serve food to 700 homeless people invited to the dinner. In a video posted on the Fever’s Twitter account, you can see Clark handing a plate of food to one of the guests, amid applause from team officials.

    Clark is always willing to help

    This is not the first time that Clark has collaborated with the Pacers to support a good cause. A few weeks ago, she and her boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, attended the Golden Gala, the annual event through which the NBA team raises funds for various social causes.

    While she awaits the start of the 2025 WNBA season next May, Clark is making the most of her offseason, not only to rest but to support those who need it most.



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  • Caitlin Clark's childhood photo that has gone viral for her 'devilish' look

    Caitlin Clark's childhood photo that has gone viral for her 'devilish' look

    A childhood photo of Caitlin Clark cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs resurfaced, sparking a wave of excitement among fans. This glimpse into her early years captures the roots of Iowa’s basketball sensation, now celebrated as one of the most promising talents in women’s basketball.

    Growing up in Des Moines, Clark was surrounded by Iowa’s deep basketball heritage. Icons such as Harrison Barnes, Fred Hoiberg, and “Machine Gun” Molly Bolin shaped the state’s basketball legacy long before her rise.

    Her father, Brent Clark, an athlete himself, fostered her love for the game early on. But Clark‘s journey wasn’t simply inherited-it was marked by her own grit and resilience on the court.

    Her grandfather recalled a moment that showed her fierce determination. At just five years old, Clark faced an older, larger boy in her youth league.

    Coached by her father, she struggled against his aggressive style, almost brought to tears. But after a quick break, she stormed back onto the court, sending her opponent rolling out of bounds-a clear message that she wouldn’t back down.

    Fan reaction to the picture

    This competitive spirit became her hallmark, carrying her through college to the WNBA, where she has already shattered rookie records with the Indiana Fever.

    Fans find these early glimpses of Clark‘s journey heartwarming, celebrating her transformation from a determined Iowa kid to an emerging WNBA star.

    “If you grew up In Iowa, you had 2-3 bad haircuts, I don’t make the rules,” an X user wrote.

    Another added: “She started playing when she was that little !! She was a tough girl.”

    “Who ever thought that this little munchkin was going to grow to be a GOAT in the world of sports,” a third noted.



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  • Caitlin Clark to join David Letterman for a real talk on fame, hoops, and hustle

    Caitlin Clark to join David Letterman for a real talk on fame, hoops, and hustle

    Caitlin Clark, the WNBA rookie sensation, is set to join legendary talk show host David Letterman for an exclusive sit-down interview at Ball State University’s Emens Auditorium. The event, scheduled for Monday, December 2, at 7 p.m. ET, promises to be an electrifying night as two of the nation’s most intriguing personalities take the stage in a conversation bound to resonate with fans of both basketball and late-night television.

    For Letterman, a Ball State alum and Indiana native, it’s a return to his roots, and for Clark, who’s quickly become one of the most recognizable names in sports, it’s a chance to connect with audiences beyond the basketball court. Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns expressed the university’s enthusiasm, saying, “David Letterman is our university’s most famous graduate… Caitlin Clark has quickly become a beloved Hoosier and national star… I anticipate their conversation will be very special.”

    Caitlin Clark enjoys The Eras Tour with Travis Kelce

    This isn’t the first time the pair have crossed paths. Earlier in Clark’s rookie season, Letterman attended one of her games, where the two even snapped a photo together post-game. Now, with a season full of highlights under her belt, Clark’s return to Indiana for this appearance has fans buzzing across social media, eager to hear what the rising WNBA star has to say in an unfiltered, off-court conversation.

    The upcoming interview has already stirred up excitement online. One fan tweeted, “She makes more speaking for 30 min than playing basketball,” underscoring the disparity between WNBA earnings and off-court opportunities. Another fan chimed in, “Damn she really doing cool things!” capturing the growing pride and admiration for Clark’s ventures outside of her sporting achievements.

    Despite her humble rookie status, Clark has already cemented herself as a game-changer. Averaging an impressive 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, she not only secured WNBA Rookie of the Year but also led the Indiana Fever to a playoff berth. Though their journey ended in the first round against the Connecticut Sun, Clark’s individual performance left fans and analysts anticipating her future seasons.

    Grit, growth, and greatness: Caitlin Clark’s journey from the court to the spotlight

    For those who’ve followed her journey, Clark’s story is one of grit and growth. Drafted first overall by the Fever, she came into the league after a stellar college career at Iowa, where she led the Hawkeyes to the National Championship Game, only to fall to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Yet, Clark’s resilience and skill have remained steadfast, propelling her into the spotlight of women’s basketball.

    The upcoming appearance with Letterman could mark a pivotal moment for Clark, showcasing a side of her that fans rarely get to see. Many are hopeful that the interview will offer insights not only into her game but also her personality, ambitions, and the challenges of being a young star in a rapidly evolving league.

    Social media continues to light up with messages like, “Hopefully she gets paid. Way to go CC,” as fans recognize and celebrate her hard-earned opportunities beyond the court. Others are reminiscing about her recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” calling for a return to that lively setup. “Oh wow. She should go on McAfee again too. Really liked the vibe of that appearance,” another fan posted.

    As Clark looks ahead to another season with the Fever, with hopes of making a deeper playoff run and potentially vying for the MVP title, this conversation with Letterman is a chance for fans to pause and appreciate the journey she’s on. Whether on the court or in front of a microphone, Caitlin Clark is carving out a path that blends athletic prowess with a rising cultural influence.



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