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Caitlin Clark has firmly established herself as one of the most dominant and influential athletes of 2024, earning Time’s prestigious title of Athlete of the Year. Over the past year, Clark has not only set numerous records but also elevated the visibility and popularity of women’s basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels. She is the first NBA player to receive the award.
The 22-year-old made history on multiple fronts. Her impressive performances led the Iowa Hawkeyes to the NCAA national championship game for the second year in a row, and she claimed the Naismith Player of the Year honor. Her extraordinary talent did not go unnoticed as she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
A Historic Year for Clark
Once in the WNBA, Clark wasted no time in breaking records, setting the bar higher with new rookie records for points, three-pointers, and assists in a season. Her remarkable season earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Not only did she make waves on the court, but she also played a pivotal role in the Fever’s playoff run, their first since 2016. She became a household name, drawing record numbers in attendance, ticket sales, and viewership across the league.
Clark's year was full of statistical feats. She became the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball—men’s and women’s—surpassing the previous record. Additionally, she set the WNBA’s single-game and single-season assist records, and even became the first rookie to record a triple-double in the league, finishing with two. She also shattered rookie records for scoring and three-pointers. Her dazzling performance helped significantly raise the profile of women’s basketball in both collegiate and professional settings.
The Impact Beyond Basketball
Clark’s success has had a ripple effect on the sport itself. WNBA attendance soared, with the Fever experiencing a staggering 182% increase in overall attendance compared to 2023. This surge reached new heights in September 2024, when their game against the Washington Mystics at the Capital One Arena set an all-time WNBA attendance record with 20,711 spectators.
The viewership also saw substantial growth, especially during Clark’s highly anticipated matchups, such as the June 16 showdown against fellow rookie Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. The game attracted 2.25 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game since 2001. “I’ve been able to captivate so many people that have never watched women’s sports, let alone women’s basketball, and turn them into fans,” Clark remarked in her Time interview.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite her remarkable achievements, Clark faced her share of controversy throughout the year. She was notably excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics, which Clark admitted motivated her further: “Being left off the roster will definitely motivate me my entire career.” Beyond the exclusion, Clark was often subjected to online hate and negative commentary, much of it targeting other players and fueled by racial, misogynistic, and anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
In a candid moment, Clark addressed these issues, explaining, “Just stop. Because that’s not who I am.” She also acknowledged the role that race plays in her experience, particularly in her rise to fame. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. “The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.” Clark expressed a strong desire to highlight and appreciate the contributions of Black players, who she noted were instrumental in shaping the league.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Clark
As Clark reflects on her journey, she is aware that she is just beginning. “Personally, I’m just scratching the surface of what I can do and hopefully how I can change the world and impact people,” she said. Her influence stretches beyond the basketball court. She participated in an LPGA pro-am tournament, attended Taylor Swift’s concerts, and has been courted by the new 3-on-3 basketball league, Unrivaled, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. However, Clark decided to pass on the new league and instead focus on preparing for the 2025 WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, who will also benefit from a new coach, Stephanie White.
