2024 has undoubtedly been Caitlyn Clark’s year, and it’s high time that we officially crown her as the face of basketball. From breaking records to dominating headlines, her achievements have made a significant impact not only on the sport but also on the world at large.
Rachel Deita, in her “Courtside Club” video, reflects on Caitlyn’s incredible journey and the multitude of accolades she has received this year. Clark was recently named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, a well-deserved honor given her undeniable influence in women’s sports. This award, announced on Christmas Eve, was a recognition of her unparalleled impact both on the court and off it. Caitlyn raised the profile of women’s basketball, taking Iowa to the national championship game and becoming the number one pick in the WNBA draft, where she went on to win Rookie of the Year.
Her list of awards and records has grown so extensive that it’s become almost a meme, as fans and media outlets scramble to keep up with her achievements. Clark’s influence has not just been on the court, where her performances speak for themselves, but in the way she’s changed the landscape of women’s sports, particularly basketball. With the WNBA rapidly becoming the fastest-growing sports brand worldwide, Clark’s effect is undeniable. In fact, she accounts for a significant portion of the WNBA’s total revenue, estimated at 26%, showcasing her role in transforming the league.
What stands out about Caitlyn’s success is that it’s not just about her individual performances, though they have been spectacular. It’s about the visibility she’s brought to the sport, attracting a broader audience and increasing viewership. Her national championship game alone drew 18 million viewers—more than the NBA Finals, an extraordinary feat for women’s basketball. This surge in popularity has led to a growing recognition that Caitlyn has done for women’s basketball what Michael Jordan did for the NBA in his prime.
Many have questioned why Caitlyn Clark has received such widespread recognition when other athletes like Simone Biles, who competed on the global stage, might have seemed like more obvious candidates for these awards. But, as Rachel points out, the success of Caitlyn Clark isn’t only about her basketball skills—it’s also about the cultural shift she has helped catalyze. Caitlyn has managed to break through the boundaries of her sport, captivating not just basketball fans but casual viewers around the world, making her an international icon.
In addition to the AP Female Athlete of the Year, Caitlyn Clark was also named the 2024 Sports Business Journal’s Best Sports Business Athlete. This recognition further cements her status as a game-changer. The WNBA is already looking at ways to capitalize on her global appeal, with talks about scheduling overseas games, including one with the Indiana Fever, her WNBA team. Clark’s popularity isn’t limited to the U.S.; she’s building a massive fanbase worldwide, a key factor that will help take the WNBA to new heights.
Another notable aspect of Caitlyn’s career is her decision to attend Iowa, a school that was not a traditional powerhouse in basketball. By choosing Iowa, Caitlyn built a fanbase organically and grew the program with her incredible talent and work ethic. If she had attended a larger school like UConn or South Carolina, Rachel believes the moment we’re witnessing in women’s basketball today might not have happened.
Caitlyn’s success has been a perfect storm of talent, timing, and determination. She has not only excelled on the court but has also had a transformative effect on the entire sport. From Iowa to the WNBA, she has raised the visibility of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels. Her influence on the WNBA is undeniable, with other NBA franchises like the Indiana Pacers looking to replicate the Fever’s success by drawing inspiration from Caitlyn’s massive following.
As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that Caitlyn Clark has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball, and her journey is only just beginning. Her incredible year has shown that it’s not just about playing great basketball—it’s about inspiring the next generation of athletes and changing the way we think about women’s sports. Caitlyn Clark is not only a remarkable athlete; she’s a force for change, and 2024 has truly been her year.
