Author: lehang1

Caitlin Clark was ready to spend her first true offseason since Nov. 2023 relaxing and practicing and taking things slower. After taking Iowa to yet another NCAA Championship and then coming to Indiana as the No. 1 draft pick to eventually go to their first playoffs since 2016 – whew, that was hectic. No wonder she didn’t want to go overseas to play more basketball. But it seems like that might change soon.

A fan account on X posted a screenshot from a Sports Business Journal article by Tom Friend titled, Year-End Awards: Best Sports Business Athlete — Caitlin Clark. Friend talks about CC’s impact on Indiana’s NBA team because no one imagines a WNBA team would ever lead its NBA counterpart. And it’s exactly the spark that the W needs to go international.

“When she played in an Annika Sorenstam golf pro-am in November, she attracted Arnold Palmer-type galleries and signed autographs on hats, T-shirts and bare skin. The WNBA is not oblivious and, according to sources, eventually will schedule a Fever game overseas to capitalize on her Q rating. Privately, the plan is to market the Fever like they’re ‘America’s Team. Which they already are.’”

Looks like Caitlin Clark is going overseas after all! Just this time with a borrowed title because if there is one ‘America’s Team’ sports fans know, it’s the Dallas Cowboys, thanks to the team’s 1978 highlight film.

The narrator, John Facenda, opens with the introduction, “They appear on television so often that their faces are as familiar to the public as presidents and movie stars. They are the Dallas Cowboys, ‘America’s Team.’”

The Cowboys have their own charm, sure, but American football is not as global as basketball. If anyone will be able to carry that title on an international stage, it will be Caitlin Clark’s team; and just because she was not able to go to the Olympics this year, their first stop might even be France! Fans certainly want it.

Just like how No. 22’s allure had a WNBA-record 17,035 fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and averaged 1.178 million TV viewers per game, non-American audiences will flock to stadiums the same way. Does she need the exposure? No. But the WNBA Rookie of the Year can certainly help her league with that.

However, one analyst thinks it will be at the cost of the NBA.

Jason Whitlock places blame on Caitlin Clark for NBA’s sufferings

The 2024 NBA finals had a mere 11.3 million viewers, down from 2023’s 11.64 million. Even all the way back to 2018, the finals averaged 17.65 million. Meanwhile, the 2024 NCAA championship averaged 18.9 million viewers as they watched South Carolina take down Iowa. And it wasn’t even men’s basketball.

Jason Whitlock is convinced it’s Caitlin Clark’s fault. “They’ve lost the plot. They don’t have compelling stories,” Whitlock said. “What they could not anticipate, and I think this is an under-discussed, and it’s new, I wouldn’t even say it’s under-discussed, but people haven’t realized. Caitlin Clark has actually hurt the NBA.”

She’s not the sole reason by any means. The NBA has lost the players it marketed as great – Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, you name it. But fans are certainly losing interest in men’s basketball, fast, whereas the women’s league is finally getting its long overdue attention. And sure, it is in large part thanks to Caitlin Clark!

If you thought Caitlin Clark breaking records right, left, and center was her NCAA days, think again! After being named TIME’s Player of the Year, the reigning league ROTY continues her extraordinary run, adding another accolade to her growing list of achievements. The Associated Press (AP) Female Athlete of the Year title now belongs to the Iowa sensation, further solidifying her impact on women’s sports and basketball. However, while the point guard did mention one WNBA legend, she chose to stay quiet about another.

According to a recent post on X by the Associated Press, “Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women’s sports.” This honor highlights her ascent in the sport, both as a player and as an icon. Clark now joins an exclusive list of basketball legends such as Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Candace Parker.

Seventy-four sports journalists from the Associated Press and its members cast their votes for the award, with Clark securing the top spot with 35 votes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles came in second with 25 votes, followed by boxer Imane Khelif, who received 4 votes.

The point guard’s win marks a historic moment—she is only the fourth women’s basketball player to earn this distinction since its inception in 1931. And while she may or may not have known about who the others were, she chose to only speak up on the 3x WNBA champ Parker.

“I grew up a fan of Candace Parker and the people who came before me, and to be honored in this way is super special, and I’m thankful,” Clark said in a phone interview with AP. “It was a great year for women’s basketball and women’s sports.”

However, while Clark praised Candace Parker and other WNBA legends in her AP interview, she notably did not mention Sheryl Swoopes, one of her chief critics. This omission stands in contrast to a previous moment when, during her appearance on SNL, Clark openly credited Swoopes and other trailblazers.

“I’m sure it will be a big first step for me, but it’s just one step for the WNBA. Thanks to all the great players: Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, and my basketball hero, Maya Moore. These are the girls that kicked down the door so I could walk inside. I want to thank them for laying down the foundation.”

This time, however, Clark’s silence on Swoopes was noticeable, especially considering her respect for the WNBA legend even before her own rise to prominence in the league.

However, Clark’s own AP recognition comes after a year of record-breaking performances and milestones. She led Iowa to its second consecutive National Championship Game, shattered NCAA Division I scoring records with 3,951 career points, and made a more or less seamless transition to the WNBA.

Her rookie season with the Indiana Fever was no less groundbreaking. From setting a single-game assist record of 19 to becoming the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers in just 34 games, Clark’s impact was undeniable.

Clark’s individual accolades are extraordinary, but they’re just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Her success is a testament to the collective rise of women’s sports—a movement fueled by fans, teammates, and trailblazers who came before her.

Why Caitlin Clark is the perfect choice: Transforming women’s basketball with record viewership

Lobo, a former recipient of the AP Female Athlete of the Year award and a key figure in the WNBA’s early days, lauded Clark’s unparalleled influence on the game. “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,” Lobo remarked in an interview with the Associated Press.

“There’s never been anything like this. That timeframe from 1995-97 was a baby step in the progression of it all. This is a giant leap forward. I’ve never seen anything like this. There’s more attention than the sport’s ever had,” said the WNBA legend who earlier in April called Caitlin Clark a “tsunami” for the league, set to raise the tide for all.

Indeed, the numbers tell the story of Clark’s far-reaching influence. WNBA viewership increased by 300% during her rookie season, with networks like ABC, ESPN, and CBS breaking their own records. Iowa’s NCAA women’s championship game, which featured Clark, attracted 18.9 million viewers—outdrawing the men’s Final Four for the first time in history.

Clark credits the rise of women’s sports to a collective effort. “It’s fascinating, you don’t always appreciate how many people 18 million is,” she reflected. “You see that number against a college football game or the Masters or whatever it is as far as the biggest sporting events in our country, and it puts it in perspective. We outdrew the men’s Final Four.”

For Clark, it’s not just about winning awards or breaking records. She remains grounded, often taking time before and after games to sign autographs and connect with fans.

“For me, it’s still really fun,” she said. “Whether it’s 15 seconds or 10 seconds or 5 seconds can be very impactful in a young girl and young boy’s life. Seeing the fans going crazy an hour before tipoff, I never take that for granted. That’s super cool, and I never want that to go away.”

As Clark’s career continues to soar, her ability to navigate the pressure with grace remains unmatched. Her journey, from college basketball phenom to professional superstar, is not just a milestone for her but a giant leap for women’s sports as a whole. As for her heart, it is in the right place and she knows how to navigate challenges just right, even if the challenge to her is in the WNBA’s icon Sheryl Swoopes herself.

It was in August this year when Angel Reese landed the most perfect deal with a brand that was practically written in the stars—Reese’s. But while this dream partnership might seem like destiny now, the journey to make it happen wasn’t as smooth as it looks. In fact, the initial lack of response from the $34.49 billion worth Hershey Company almost derailed it. So, what went down exactly?

Reese and her longtime manager, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, recently spilled the tea on Unapologetically Angel. The duo discussed how big brand collaborations aren’t just about name-dropping and striking deals overnight; they take months, sometimes even years, of groundwork.

Jeanine revealed, “For instance, the Reese’s Puffs deal people are seeing now—that’s been in the works for over a year and a half.” That goes back to when Angel was in Louisiana. When they started working together, the two brands the W star told Jeanine were her dreams were Reese’s and Barbie’s.

But when they first reached out to Reese’s, there was no reply. Jeanine joked on the podcast, “When I deal with Reese’s team now, they’re like, ‘Yeah, we remember you reached out.’ I’m like, yeah, you guys didn’t answer me.” Despite the rocky start, Reese’s Puffs—which licenses the Reese’s name from Hershey—eventually came through.

Now, the partnership is a reality, fulfilling Angel Reese’s childhood dream. The collaboration is iconic for more reasons than one. The Chi-Town Barbie became the first-ever WNBA player to team up with Reese’s, joining the ranks of sporting legends like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles.

“Not only does this fulfill my childhood dream of being on a cereal box, but there couldn’t be a better fit for me than Reese’s Puffs cereal,” Reese said. In October, “Angel X Reese’s Puffs” officially hit shelves, complete with four unique box designs featuring Reese herself.

And the baller couldn’t hide her excitement, sharing a fun video showing off the cereal box with her face on it. Just like that, the 22-year-old is absolutely crushing it in the endorsement game, but don’t think for a second that these deals fell into her lap.

Jeanine & Angel Reese discuss securing the bag isn’t always easy

As the Sky forward and Jeanine discussed, getting to this point required resilience and a lot of hard work. Back in 2022, right after her national championship win, Reese’s NIL valuation was $1.8 million. With offers pouring in from big agencies, Reese made a bold move by sticking with Jeanine and her boutique agency, Clearview Group.

 “I told agencies, if y’all aren’t letting Jeanine in on this, it’s dead,” Reese recalled. That loyalty paid off, paving the way for deals with Topps, Airbnb, Tampax, Beats by Dre, and Reebok, skyrocketing her net worth to $2 million. Jeanine pointed out that one of the challenges with bigger agencies is their lack of attention to detail.

“They have so many clients, they’re not as in tune with things like approving hair and makeup artists,” she said. This hands-on approach is what makes Reese’s team stand out. The baller has proven time and again that she’s more than just an athlete. With her loyal manager by her side and a growing list of dream collaborations, let’s watch her become a brand powerhouse.

In the world of basketball, where fierce competition is the norm, it’s the connections off the court that often steal the show. Lexie Hull, a rising star in the WNBA, has found herself in the midst of a heartwarming exchange that connects her to both Connor McCaffery, an assistant coach for the Butler Bulldogs, and Caitlin Clark, one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball. Now, a recent Instagram exchange further highlights the relationships at play.

It all started with McCaffery’s Instagram post following a nail-biting game between Butler and UConn on December 22, 2024. Despite the Bulldogs’ narrow 78-74 loss, McCaffery shared his gratitude on social media: “Grateful 🙏🏼 go dawgs!”

To show her support, his girlfriend, Caitlin Clark, responded with three black heart emojis “🖤🖤🖤”. McCaffery’s reply, as always, was full of affection “@caitlinclark22 🫶🏼.”

The post didn’t stop there. Lexie Hull, the Indiana Fever guard who has made waves in both the WNBA and Athletes Unlimited, added her own playful comment: “Yes Coach 🫡.”

McCaffery, ever the good sport, responded in kind “@lexiehulll ur basically an investigative asst at this point too.” Hull, the good-natured competitor, replied “@connor_m30 I do what I can!!”

These comments reflect the camaraderie that has developed between Hull and McCaffery, as well as the close-knit nature of basketball relationships that transcend the competitive arena.

Hull’s performance on the court has made her a key figure in women’s basketball. Drafted by the Indiana Fever as the sixth overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, the No. 10 has steadily made an impact in the league. In the 2024 season, she averaged 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. However, it was her defensive skills and her clutch catch-and-shoot threes that won over the Indiana fans.

She has also earned accolades for her time with Athletes Unlimited, where she was named both Defensive Player of the Year and Teammate of the Year. As of the 2024 season, she continues to shine as an all-around player, contributing both offensively and defensively to the Fever’s success.

But Hull’s influence extends beyond just her on-court achievements; it’s her leadership and presence both in and out of the court on Clark’s side that is catching attention.

Hull’s rise, bond with Cailtin Clark, and McCaffery’s gratitude

Hull and Clark have always been known to be thick as thieves, especially in the recent off-season when the two made constant appearances on each other’s social media platforms for either food reviews or be in the stands watching the latest game between the Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Not to mention the viral video of the point guard commentating on an MLB matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies which took place in Hull’s apartment. And their quirky back and forth during a postgame presser where Clark even mentioned that the Stanford alum is improving because she is spending time with her.

In fact, Fever writer Scott Agness recently tweeted a picture of Clark along with her boyfriend Connor McCaffery and teammate Lexie Hull as spectators cheering for the Indiana-based franchise.

USA Today via Reuters

While Hull continues to stand by Clark’s side, McCaffery’s commitment to Butler is also drawing attention. Despite a narrow loss to UConn, his gratitude and leadership shone through, especially as he engaged with fans on social media.

In a game where his younger brother Patrick scored 17 points, the Bulldogs, now 7-6 in the Big East, fought hard but fell short. Ranked 71st in the NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings, Butler currently holds a 53.8% win percentage, ranked 191st in the nation.

In the end, the bond between McCaffery, Hull, and Clark highlights the unmatched camaraderie among basketball’s elite. Whether on the court or off, their mutual respect and support are a testament to the powerful connections sports can create

Caitlin Clark, Bronny James
Bronny James or Caitlin Clark? Whatever side you pick, there’s a lot to argue. At the same time, some will say that Bronny played in the boys’ league and so on. The other side of the debate will say Caitlin Clark is a WNBA star and has been breaking records after her debut. But it could only be summed up when we get them to play one-on-one.

However, former NBA player Jeff Teague has to say otherwise. During a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast, Jeff stirred an interesting assessment of a hypothetical one-on-one matchup between WNBA star Clark and LeBron James’ son. Teague asserted that Clark wouldn’t score a single point against Bronny and predicted a scoreline of 20 to 0.

“Caitlin would not score a point on Bronny, bro. She might not even get a shot off, bro. … He would beat her by 60 [points]. He would legit beat her 20-0. Bryce James would beat her 20-0. He is 10 times more athletic than her. He can do everything better than her. She’s a girl, bro,” said the former NBA player.

While he might be a fan of the James brothers, his comments seem to gloss over the hard work and talent that female athletes like Clark and A’ja Wilson bring to the game. In a time when women’s basketball is growing in popularity, such statements can feel a bit dismissive.

Where Does Bronny James Stand Against Caitlin Clark

While Teague’s Bronny Jamess analogy might get fans bifurcated with their choices, the comparison is rather baseless. Moreover, his analogy taps into the ongoing debates about gender equality in sports and the challenges faced by female athletes.

Caitlin and A’ja Wilson both have made a name for themselves in their respective time in the league. CC is having a phenomenal rookie season at the Indiana Fever. She averaged 19.2 points per game and led the league in assists.

Similarly, A’ja Wilson is a three-time MVP and one of the best players in the WNBA currently. A’ja has numerous accolades to her name. Broony had an unimpressive start in the NBA. After his controversial debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, he was sent to the G League to grow professionally. However, with all the pieces on the table, it can be said that it is not a stone-to-stone comparison.

While Bronny’s stats would hopefully improve over time, the comparison does not sit well in the current situation. It remains to be seen how well things will turn out for the NBA superstar’s son in the future.

 

The way Angel Reese enjoys luxury is, well, something else. From her fashion choices to unapologetic confidence, she’s become the poster child. Back in her college days, she was a standout among college athletes, cashing in on their name, image, and likeness. And it wouldn’t have been possible if she hadn’t transferred to LSU from Maryland. But do you know? Reese almost didn’t end up at LSU. So, what made her change her mind?

Reese’s longtime manager, Jeanine, recalls how the transfer to LSU wasn’t initially a no-brainer for the star forward. “So, you transferred to LSU, and you know what? The deals started getting, like, way more interesting at that point,” Jeanine explained. Reese chimed in, “Do you remember when I sat down and talked to them about the NIL part? Honestly, LSU wasn’t even my option. I was scared to commit.  I was going to go to South Carolina or Tennessee, I think.”

But then, fate stepped in. “Kim called,” Reese shared, referring to LSU’s head coach Kim Mulkey. “I was like, okay, bet—I’ll just go. But I can’t even imagine what my life would look like if I hadn’t made that decision.” And, well, the rest is history.

Jeanine described the decision as nothing short of destiny. “Like if he would have gone out anywhere else, it was really The perfect Storm, and it was just Destiny; it was fate, it was God; it was all the things you believe in like you could never have dreamed it, but yeah, so you transferred LSU, and the deals start getting bigger they were bigger, bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger,” she said on Angel’s podcast Unapologetically Angel. 

By the time the 2023 NCAA Tournament rolled around, her NIL value jumped from $371,000 to $1.3 million in just a month, eventually hitting $1.8 million. It basically came after she went viral for her trash-talking and bold gestures toward Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ star. The media was quick to brand her a “villain,” but in a way, it worked for Chi-Town Barbie. And now she doesn’t shy away from flaunting it.

‘WNBA doesn’t pay my bills’

Fast forward to her professional career, and the 22-year-old isn’t afraid to call it like it is. “I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said during an Instagram Live. “I wouldn’t even be able to get a sandwich if I wanted to.” The Hooper’s annual WNBA salary sits at $73,439.

This is barely enough to cover her $8,000 monthly rent. But thanks to her NIL deals, she’s doing just fine. Her endorsements read like a who’s who of top brands Beats by Dre, Reebok, Tampax, Amazon, PlayStation, Bose, Raising Cane’s, and more. Last year, she signed a multi-year deal with Reebok to launch her “Angel’s Picks” collection.

Together, these partnerships rake in an estimated $1.8 million annually, far outpacing her basketball salary. Now, Reese is set to earn even more as she participated in the newly announced Unrivaled league. The Napheesa Collier led league premises to offer better opportunities and pay.

But looking back, it’s clear that LSU alumna’s decision to transfer to LSU was a turning point. Her success can be traced back to that moment when Coach Mulkey made the call. So, all in all, it’s safe to say none of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for Mulkey, fate, and Reese’s leap of faith.

“It’s hard for me to like date another man with power. ” Angel Reese had made her stance on relationships clear. While the “Chi-town Barbie” is happily enjoying her single era, her dating history continues to spark interest. While fans might remember her high-profile relationship with Cam’Ron Fletcher, which ended in 2024, her latest revelation offers a glimpse into another ex.

In a recent episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Angel Reese welcomed her agent, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, as a guest. During their conversation, Reese revealed a toxic trait in a past relationship which inspired her to channel her energy into achieving success beyond basketball.

“He was brainwashing the boy was brainwashing me saying like you don’t have to work anymore,” Reese shared about her ex-boyfriend during college times.

Jeanine Ogbonnaya took a moment to commend Angel Reese for how she handled the situation, saying, “But you know but you…were very smart about the situation as a young woman, especially as somebody in college and you were like I don’t want that to be the case he might make it to the NFL. However, like I feel like I could have a career in social media marketing outside of like basketball.” 

During her freshman year at Maryland, Angel Reese suffered a foot fracture after a layup, requiring surgery, a screw insertion, and 12 weeks of recovery. Faced with doubts and an ex-boyfriend’s suggestion to stop working, Reese briefly considered alternate career paths.

However, she persevered and thrived. At LSU, Reese’s NIL value soared to $1.8 million, earning her partnerships with top industry brands. In fact, Ogbonnaya had previously shared how Reese’s hard work post-championship fueled her rise.

Angel Reese’s relentless drive post-LSU Championship

When Angel Reese was drafted by the Chicago Sky this year, she brought with her an exceptional collegiate resume. Her two standout years at LSU, following a transfer from Maryland, showcased her determination to achieve one clear goal: securing an NCAA championship. And she did just that. But instead of resting on her success, Reese’s ambition only grew stronger.

When The Money Game debuted on Prime Video, it gave fans a window into Angel Reese’s mindset after clinching the NCAA title. Her agent, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, who appeared in the series, shared, “Angel has not had a week, a day, an hour off since she won the national championship.”

Reese led LSU to the 2023 championship, making waves with her bold move against Caitlin Clark in the finals. Her stellar performance led to a surge of NIL opportunities. Emphasizing her long-term vision, she stated, “I am not doing a deal just for three months. I wanna work with these brands for a lifetime.”

The rookie also reasoned on the importance of deals and said, “And for the women’s side, stacking your money for four years straight is something that’s gonna be helpful, especially women that may not go the next level. You kind have to get it how you get it.” Therefore, the Chi-town Barbie’s journey reflects her determination and relentless work ethic, turning challenges into opportunities as she remained undeterred by her ex-boyfriend’s suggestion.

Angel Reese never fails to make headlines, whether it’s for her on-court heroics, her bold fashion choices, or her podcast moments. However, lately, the hot topic has been her love life. Rumors are swirling that Reese might be more than just a fan of the Orlando Magic, sparking speculation that her beau might be a Magic player.

Reese has been spotted multiple times at Magic games, even earning the title of ‘lucky charm’. Sure, maybe she’s just a basketball lover showing support for her favorite team. But, come on, repeated appearances for just one team? Something’s definitely up. And considering her recent comments on her podcast Unapologetically Angel, it’s not hard to connect the dots.

When asked about her relationship status, the 22-year-old told rapper Mariah the Scientist, “I am [single]. You got somebody for me?” When pressed about her type, she made it clear, “He got to be tall. 6’7″, 6’8″… NBA.” Standing at 6’3 herself, it’s pretty understandable.

After this, when Sky Chicago Sky star was again at the Magic game against Boston Celtics, fans were quick to pounce, with one commenting, “Def someone taller than her! She said she doesn’t like short men so 6’7 and up! Wendell or Paolo?!?” 

That still remains a mystery, but this isn’t the first time she’s sparked curiosity. Back in November, the Chicago Sky forward was spotted at Disney World, and she didn’t miss the chance to catch the Magic’s 94-90 win over the Indiana Pacers. Before that, her first Magic game appearance came against the Chicago Bulls.

Initially, everyone assumed she was there to cheer on the Bulls and embrace her new Chicago vibes. But now, it’s safe to say that there’s more to the story. But along with her NBA sideline appearances, she’s grinding, too. With her debut in the highly anticipated Unrivaled league around the corner, she’s back training with top-notch trainers.

Angel Reese laces up for Unrivaled

Angel Reese isn’t wasting any time getting back into top form after her WNBA rookie season was cut short due to a wrist injury. With the highly anticipated Unrivaled League debut nearing, the forward is putting in serious work to ensure she’s ready.

And when we say serious, we mean it. She’s teamed up with none other than elite trainer David Alexander. If the name rings a bell, it’s because Alexander has worked with some of the biggest names in sports, including LeBron James.

Alexander recently gave us a sneak peek of his sessions with Reese, sharing a clip on Instagram captioned, “𝐇𝐄𝐑! @angelreese5 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏 / 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟏 Perfecting the kinematic sequence to the seven general movement patterns. #staytuned.” Reese chimed in the comments with, “let’s do itttt.”

USA Today via Reuters

Reese’s grind isn’t just for show, though. She knows she needs to prove her mettle in the newly founded league for all the hype around her and her massive paycheck. The Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart-led league is set to kick off on January 17, 2025, in Miami, and it is the perfect platform for the rookie to shine.

For now, we’re excited to see the WNBA star rock the court in Miami, and who knows, maybe we’ll spot a certain Orlando Magic player cheering her on from the stands. All the pieces will come together, and we can finally get the answer to the big ‘WHO’ question.

No one can deny that the WNBA’s trajectory is on the rise. And that’s a major reason why even Bronny James hasn’t held back from weighing in on its top stars. In a pre-draft sit-down with House of Highlights, Bronny played the game “Start, Bench, Cut” featuring Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Sue Bird. His verdict? “I’m starting Sue, I’m benching A’ja, and I’m cutting Caitlin.” While the game was all in good fun, it did spark a heated debate online. Fast forward a few months, and another voice has entered the conversation—with a unique and bold take.

This time, former NBA champion Jeff Teague stirred the pot by confidently declaring that Bronny James would annihilate both Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson in a game of one-on-one. “20-0, bro,” he said during a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast. Yes, you read that right—zero.

“Bronny would legit beat her 20-0,” Teague stated with unwavering conviction. And he wasn’t just referring to Caitlin Clark. “He’s 10 times more athletic than her. He can do everything better—he’s physically way more imposing.”

For Teague, this debate isn’t about Clark’s incredible skill or greatness; it’s about Bronny’s edge as a young, explosive athlete. But Teague didn’t stop there—he brought A’ja Wilson into the mix as well, doubling down on Bronny’s alleged superiority. He made his final call, adding, “Hell no, sorry to kill her,” asserting that Bronny would “kill” both Clark and Wilson on the court.

While Bronny James—the son of NBA legend LeBron James—is still carving his path in professional basketball, Teague’s claims might be a bit too much. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny’s rookie season with the Lakers has been quiet statistically, averaging just 0.6 points per game in limited NBA minutes. However, his performance in the G League shows promise as his stats have increased to 13.4 points over the past seven games.

Not just that, but his 3 rebounds and 3.4 assists average confirms that he’s athletic and explosive. But to suggest that he could demolish both Clark and Wilson seems like a stretch. Or does it?

What makes this debate so polarizing?

Well, Jeff Teague isn’t the first one to dive into the debate. Before him, Gilbert Arenas fueled the intriguing comparison between Bronny’s budding career and Clark’s rise to stardom at W. “The light is the light,” Arenas said. “People want to see him succeed, and some want to see him fail.” In case you’re still confused about who’s better, then let’s break it down.

While Clark has a rough start into the season, she has had a rookie season for ages. The No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever averaged 19.2 points with a league-high of 8.4 assists in her debut season. Yet, those stats weren’t enough to satisfy her. And there she was, breaking records on the go.

She got everything from recording the most assists (337) in a single season to notching two triple-doubles as a rook. But, she’s not alone. Wilson, on the other hand, is no short of a legend herself. The Las Vegas forward too shattered records in 2024, averaging a league’s best 27 points per game. Not only that but she’s become the third-time MVP too.

So, where does that leave Teague’s claim? Well, it makes for some lively barbershop talk. Quite evidently while Clark and Wilson are at the peak of their respective leagues, Bronny is still struggling to find his footing among pros. What do you think?

Few would argue that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is one of the faces of the WNBA.

Clark was a near-unanimous selection for WNBA Rookie of the Year, she broke several records, and she was in the conversation for league MVP as a 22-year-old first-year pro.

While Clark is in a class of her own in the WNBA, some have wondered how she’d stack up against some of the top shooters in the NBA, especially after remarks Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson made last month about her ability to hold her own against an NBA star.

During an appearance on the “Roommates Show” podcast, Wilson boldly stated that she could best New York Knicks guard Josh Hart in a game of 1-on-1.

“[The score] would be like 8 to 11, me,” Wilson said. “I get ball first? Yeah, you’re not going to get it back. … I’m not saying you’re going to go scoreless, but 8 to 11 I feel like is pretty solid.”

Hart initially responded saying the score would be 11-2 in his favor before changing his answer to 11-7, which is much more favorable than the odds Jeff Teague, a 2015 NBA All-Star, gave Clark during a recent appearance on the “Club 520 Podcast” if she were to face Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James 1-on-1 matchup.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

“Caitlin would not score a point on Bronny, bro,” Teague said. “She might not even get a shot off, bro. … He would beat her by 60 [points]. He would legit beat her 20-0. [Bronny’s younger brother] Bryce James would beat her 20-0. He is 10 times more athletic than her. He can do everything better than her. She’s a girl, bro.”

The difference between the caliber of players Hart and James are, is night-and-day. The former has averaged 10 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game over his 10-year NBA career, while the latter has played in just seven NBA games and scored four points along with two assists, a rebound, a block and a steal.

Teague also added that James would beat Wilson 20-0 as well.

It’s unlikely fans will never know who would truly win a 1-on-1 between Clark and James, but Teague may be selling the 2024 WNBA No. 1 overall pick a bit short in his hypothetical.