Caitlin Clark's ascent to superstardom reached new heights as she became the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft and claimed a historic Rookie of the Year title. The Indiana Fever’s star point guard not only broke numerous all-time league records but also set new benchmarks for TV viewership and WNBA attendance.
Clark's influence on women’s basketball extends far beyond the court. Her rise has had a ripple effect, drawing attention from sports media and fans alike. Bill Simmons, a veteran sports personality, even went as far as to claim that Clark is a bigger star among players under 30 than anyone in the NBA.
"Is Caitlin Clark a bigger under-30 star than any other under-30 star in the NBA? ... I don't even think that's a debate," Simmons remarked during a recent podcast. He reflected on how women's basketball, once overlooked, has become significantly more entertaining and engaging, particularly because of players like Clark.
Simmons added, “I literally did not care about women’s college basketball 10 years ago in any way, shape, or form. So I think some things have moved towards, just the quality of play is more fun to watch. She seems to be some sort of catalyst that is like before and after and now we’re in the after.”
Sparking Debate: Is Clark Bigger Than NBA Stars?
Simmons' comments sparked a lively debate online, with fans discussing the relative popularity of Clark versus NBA players under 30. "The NBA has A LOT of really good under 30 guys, but I don’t think this is even a question. She's brought so many brand new eyeballs to the game. It’s a less frenetic Tiger Woods effect," one fan shared.
However, many fans agree on one thing: Caitlin Clark has become an undeniable force in basketball. "Yup! You can’t talk about basketball without mentioning Caitlin Clark. She is the standard," said one enthusiastic supporter.
Another fan confidently added, "Easily. Basketball is hers once Bron and Steph are gone. She’s already the most exciting basketball player in the world."
Clark’s Stellar Rookie Campaign
In her rookie season, Caitlin Clark posted impressive numbers, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game. She made history by setting records for single-game and single-season assists and became the first rookie in WNBA history to achieve a triple-double.
Looking Ahead: Clark’s Future with the Fever
Caitlin Clark’s second season with the Indiana Fever will begin in 2025. As she continues to break records and make an impact on the sport, it’s clear that her influence is only growing.
Bill Simmons Praises Clark’s Popularity Beyond the NBA
Bill Simmons also praised Clark for her role in elevating the profile of women’s basketball, stating, “Ten years ago, women’s basketball didn’t register on my radar at all. But now, thanks to players like Clark, the game has transformed into something compelling and enjoyable to follow.” Simmons went on to add that only icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have a comparable level of popularity to Clark.
Caitlin Clark's rise is not only changing the landscape of women’s basketball but also gaining recognition from basketball fans and media worldwide, marking the beginning of a new era for the sport.
