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Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson wasn’t much of a WNBA fan and admitted he couldn’t even shoot a basketball. However, with professional women’s hoops generating enormous global attention and shattering television records in the 2024 season, it has become far more than just a viewing experience.

“I wasn’t too fond of women’s basketball because they not dunking and stuff,” Jackson said in an interview with ESSENCE “Now, women [are] dunking. They got handles. Women going crazy.”

Some new inspiration

Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Winning two league MVPs and securing multiple All-Pro selections, his journey from a borderline first-round pick to one of the top quarterbacks in the game reflects plenty of self-motivation.

However, the Louisville University product recently drew some inspiration from an unlikely source.

“On a high level, I’m seeing [Chicago Sky forward] Angel Reese. I’m seeing [Indiana Fever guard] Caitlin [Clark],” Jackson said. “I’m seeing all these girls go crazy. Man, it’s inspiring.”

Both WNBA stars have extended their wings beyond sole inspiration. They assembled a rookie campaign that will be worth celebrating for a long time. Reese notched the single-season record for rebounding in September and finished the year with 446.

Clark, meanwhile, was voted Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year after stringing together season averages of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists to go along with an impressive 41.7 percent shooting from 3-point range and over 90 percent from

A smashing success

Clark has already helped lead the way in impacting numerous communities and women across the world. This was part and parcel of the tug-of-war she helped create between her fans and detractors.

“Other girls can grow up and play basketball,” Lamar said of Clark and Reese’s resounding impact off the court. “They don’t gotta be doing hair and stuff. They can play basketball. Play some sports.”

It isn’t difficult to understand just how enormous of a draw the two rookie sensations were in the 2024 WNBA season. The six most-viewed games of the year featured the Fever and Sky superstars. Half of those games were between the 22-year-olds. The Sky’s victory over the Fever in June averaged 2.3 million viewers on ESPN and became the most-viewed WNBA game in 23 years.

That contest was just a week after a CBS telecast featuring the two teams averaged 2.25 million views, which is now the second most-watched WNBA game in the last 23 years.

Last season, NBA TV set a record for single-game viewership of WNBA matchups on eight occasions, and Clark was featured in all of them.

It had been a whopping 16 years since a WNBA game averaged 1 million viewers. In 2024, 23 games scored seven figures in viewership. Twenty of those featured the Fever star. So, it is safe to say we are in the middle of the new era for the women’s hoops.

Fresh off being named TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Caitlin Clark was also named AP Athlete of the Year alongside MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. However, in the aftermath of her public recognition, there has come even greater scrutiny, and for the WNBA star, navigating the limelight has been anything but simple.

The Indiana Fever rookie has become a lightning rod for race, privilege, and representation debates in the WNBA and beyond. Her statement weeks back acknowledging both her privilege and the need for greater recognition of Black players sparked heated discourse.

A good stance

It hasn’t been the easiest first year for Clark in the WNBA. On the court, she faced more than her fair share of aggressive fouls and trash talk—sometimes crossing the line into outright hostility. It’s even worse when you go to social media. There are debates about her privilege, style of play, and role in the league that have often devolved into toxic chaos.

Yet, the 22-year-old point guard has rarely, if ever, engaged in the negativity. That has gotten her praise from many enthusiasts, including WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo.

“I would say she’s navigated it almost flawlessly,” Lobo said. “She hasn’t had any big missteps or misspeaks at a time you’re under constant scrutiny. “She’s seemed to say and do all the right things. That’s just incredible at a time when it’s constant attention and scrutiny. She has not done anything to tarnish this sort of mild persona she has.”

CC faces a double-edged sword. She’s the white face of a league predominantly represented by Black athletes—a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Critics argue that her endorsements, which have already raked in tens of millions, are emblematic of systemic bias, where white athletes are often given disproportionate attention and opportunities.

While she makes that much, WNBA players, even seasoned veterans, are forced to play overseas to supplement their incomes due to the league’s notoriously low salaries. However, many suggest that the players have the Indiana superstar to thank, as WNBA salaries are expected to experience a surge in the near future.

The disparity

It’s a challenging situation for the league. Clark has the talents and is a trailblazer, no doubt, but her rise also means that players constantly feel left out in financial gains. While some critics take issue with her rapid ascent to superstardom, others point out the systemic problems that have existed long before her time. She’s simply playing the hand she was dealt—and playing it exceptionally well.

Of course, things will change as she advances in her career, but her ability to stay calm, humble, and focused under a microscope will be key to taking the WNBA to greater heights.

When we say the WNBA is rising, we’re not just talking about the popularity and record-breaking attendance. We’re talking about serious cash—like billion-dollar cash. The league’s total valuation has hit a whopping $1.16 billion, and it’s only going up from here. In fact, five WNBA teams just landed spots on Sportico’s list of the most valuable women’s sports franchises.

But guess what? Despite all the buzz around Caitlin Clark, her own team, the Indiana Fever, didn’t make the list. Instead, it’s her rival Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky that snatched a spot, tied at 9th place. Surprising, right? Well, there could be multiple reasons. For now, let’s break down the top 5 WNBA franchises making bank.

WNBA’s ‘most valuable’ franchises: Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky joins the rankings

Here’s the lowdown on the WNBA teams that made the list—and where they rank:

Las Vegas Aces (3rd overall)
Seattle Storm (4th overall)
New York Liberty (6th overall)
Phoenix Mercury (8th overall)
Chicago Sky (T-9th overall)

WNBA isn’t alone here. Other top franchises include women’s soccer powerhouses like Angel City FC, Kansas City Current, and San Diego Wave FC. Let’s dive into the stories behind these trailblazing WNBA teams.

Sitting pretty at 3rd overall with a valuation of $140 million, the Las Vegas Aces are the WNBA’s crown jewels. They raked in $17.8 million in revenue last year, thanks to their back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. The Aces sold out their entire season ticket packages—8,600 of them—before the 2024 season even tipped off.

Owner Mark Davis (the same guy behind the Raiders) has turned this team into a goldmine. Fun fact is that when MGM Resorts sold the franchise in 2021, its value skyrocketed by a jaw-dropping 6900% under Davis’ ownership.

Coming in 4th overall with a valuation of $135 million, the Seattle Storm knows how to build both trophies and a bank account. They’ve got four WNBA championships and brought in $17.6 million in revenue last season. Along with that, the Storm set the tone for long-term growth in women’s sports.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, calls them a “role model” for proving that women’s franchises aren’t just viable—they’re profitable. And even Sue Bird, Storm legend, retired and jumped straight into ownership, helping her former team climb even higher and make some money.

The New York Liberty, valued at $130 million, is ranked 6th overall but led the WNBA in revenue with $18 million last season. And the buzz around this team is unreal. Their matchup against the Indiana Fever—featuring Caitlin Clark—shattered WNBA records, with $2 million in ticket sales and a sellout crowd of 17,735 fans.

Liberty star Breanna Stewart sums it up perfectly, “When I started in the league, some teams weren’t even making revenue. It’s a long time coming, but we’re not satisfied.” So, that means they know there’s still a lot to come.

Then, at 8th overall, the Phoenix Mercury clocked in with $105 million in valuation and $15 million in revenue. But what really sets them apart is their innovative partnerships. This year, they sealed a historic jersey patch deal with Cleveland Avenue, a venture capital firm. The partnership rotates brands annually, starting with Partake Foods, and brings the team $3 million per year.

Tied at number 9 is Chicago Sky, which came as a surprise to many. Even before drafting Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, they were already pulling in $12.5 million in revenue and now they’re valued at $95 million. Not to forget, their game against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever smashed TV records with 2.3 million viewers. Now, with sellout home games and a growing fanbase, it’s clear the Sky is on the rise, literally and figuratively.

But you know what? W isn’t stopping at 12 teams. Expansion is officially on the way (even has hit the market), and it’s going to shake things up.

WNBA Expansion: A bigger, bolder future

The WNBA is on the brink of a transformation. Expansion is the league’s next big move. First up is the Golden State Valkyries, debuting in 2025. Owned by the same powerhouse duo behind the Warriors, this Oakland-based team is already making headlines.

They’ve racked up more than 17,000 season-ticket deposits and will play their home games at the Chase Center, all while bringing in a record $50 million as their entry fee. Their expansion draft was a huge success, picking some of the really talented ballers from all teams (one each) exalt Storm.

In 2026, the W is going international with its first Canadian franchise in Toronto. This team, valued at $115 million, will call the Coca-Cola Coliseum home but will also take their talents to the iconic Scotiabank Arena for select games. At the same time, Portland will re-enter the league with a $125 million franchise.

Playing at the Moda Center, they’re bringing the city back into the WNBA fold after two decades. Talking about the expansion, the president said, “Just a few years ago, we were surviving; now we’re going from survive to thrive. We want to do it at the appropriate time.”

So, needless to say, that’s not all. By 2028, the league aims to expand to 16 teams, with cities like Kansas City, Denver, and St. Louis all vying for a spot. With each addition, the WNBA isn’t just adding teams; it’s setting the stage for a future where women’s basketball/ sports will become household talk and the business world alike

It’s New Year! For sure, Caitlin Clark had a season to remember. Her 2024 WNBA rookie campaign was nothing short of historic. From breaking the single-season assist and scoring records to becoming the first rookie in history to notch a triple-double, Clark has proven herself as the future of the WNBA. Her impact has been felt far beyond the sport. Evidently so, drawing attention from some names from the NFL.

Since it’s the beginning of something new, Clark took to her official Instagram account to share a glimpse of the past year. Titled “My Fav Moments from the Best Year”, the post highlighted everything from her historic college season to shattering records in the WNBA, and making the Time’s Athlete of the Year.

Naturally, the post attracted cheer from her loved ones, including Kate Martin, Colin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Connor McCaffery among several others. But the standouts were heartfelt notes from Claire Kittle and Kristin Juszczyk.

Claire Kittle, wife of 49ers star George Kittle, an Iowa alum, who has previously attended Clark’s game and posed alongside her, chimed in with “The Best” accompanied by a hands-up emoji. Meanwhile, Kristin Juszczyk — married to fullback Kyle Juszczyk– who previously designed a custom vest for Clark, a first celebrating a female athlete, cheered on with, “Only going up from here.”

However, there was one highly anticipated NFL WAG’s comment missing—Taylor Swift. Though there has hardly been an interaction between the two, Clark’s widely known fan-girling moments and other WAGs’ reactions left room for expectations from the pop star. More so, considering Swift recently acknowledged the 22-year-old, building on to the excitement.

Taylor Swift invites Caitlin Clark and makes an exciting remark

Known for her witty shoutouts and unwavering fandom, Clark’s connection to the Chiefs has made her a beloved figure. Recently, her excitement reached new heights when Taylor Swift extended an invitation to Clark to attend a Chiefs game. She had given the Indiana Fever star four bags of exclusive merchandise and included a heartfelt note with it, a part of which conveyed Clark was “inspiring to watch.” 

Not just that, Swift, who’s in a relationship with the Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, suggested that she would watch her play alongside her boyfriend now that the Eras Tour had come to an end. This gesture from Swift was enough to send waves of excitement through both the sports and entertainment worlds. The crossover of these two influential figures has been a hot topic, and fans can’t get enough of it.

It is a double win for Caitlin Clark who has been a Kansas City Chiefs fan since she was kid. Her social media is filled with posts celebrating the team’s victories, showcasing her genuine love for the team. While Swift might not have been part of Clark’s journey yet, this new connection promises exciting developments in the future.

Things are heating up in Indy! It’s the beginning of the new year, and even if the WNBA season is still 5 months away, the work never stops for top athletes. Just two weeks ago, the Indiana Fever’s social media accounts posted clips of Caitlin Clark’s first workout with new head coach Stephanie White. It showed the Rookie of the Year shooting her logo threes, as usual, but also showed her working on new things. And the Fever’s latest hire is helping Aliyah Boston do the same!

The Indiana team lucked out with two back-to-back overall No. 1 picks and ROTYs in Boston and Clark, and they’re leaving no stone unturned in maximizing their skills. In December, it was announced that Keith Porter had been hired as Player Development Coach. And analyzing his work with Boston in a recent video posted by the Fever, Rachel DeMita says, “The hire of Keith Porter was huge news for Indiana Fever fans and the organization.”

“So the funny thing is he had also come from Connecticut, so he had worked with coach Stephanie White. He worked with players like Dijonai [Carrington], with Alyssa Thomas, with DeWanna Bonner.” Porter had held the same position with the Sun from 2023-24, and as DeMita mentioned, was instrumental in helping players like Thomas ( All-WNBA First-Team), Bonner (All-Star), Carrington (WNBA Most Improved Player), and also Brionna Jones (All-Star).

With this impressive resume, “He was so excited to come to the Fever, as you can see here. Aliyah’s working on her threes a little bit,” DeMita continues. The video shows the Fever star working on not just her midrange jumpers but a variety of post-moves, running pick-and-rolls, and footwork in different situations. “Aliyah Boston is already a versatile player because she obviously has a pretty good post-game but she can shoot the three, has a great midrange,” DeMita points out.

Then she compares it to the Clark video, “And it seems like it’s the same thing here like we saw with Caitlin’s workout – they’re really working the whole court, they’re not just doing set shots, they’re not only working on post moves with her, it looks like they’re working on here is setting the high screen, which the Indiana Fever are going to use so much.”

Boston, who has averaged 14.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in two seasons in the W, came into the league riding on four years of college success. With Clark now by her side, a new coach, and a new staffer to help her game, Boston and the Fever should be better than ever to watch in 2025. The rest of the 12 teams, now also including the Golden Valkyries, look out! Because Porter seems equally excited to work in Indy.

Excited but nervous Keith Porter cannot wait to work with Caitlin Clark, aka “one of the greatest woman athletes ever”

From Connecticut to Indiana, Keith Porter is a little nervous about relocating. Where the Fever execs and Stephanie White are confident of his success rate, more than anything, Porter is looking forward to working with an already talented team and even praised Caitlin Clark, appreciating not just her game but her impact on basketball.

“I’m excited, I’m nervous… fully relocating and walking everything that I’ve pretty much grown here in Connecticut is a little scary, but I’m excited for the next chapter,” Porter said on Syndicate Nation. “Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m gonna have to train… a person who has the potential to be one of the greatest woman athletes ever with an extreme impact.”

Well, we already know Clark has begun working on other aspects of her game, like her midrange and shooting with her left hand closer to the rim. Although she was already a force in her rookie year, No. 22 – and the rest of the team – knows there is always room for improvement. And before Opening Day comes around, that’s all this team is going to do!

Young hoopers competed in the Andrew Johnson Bank Ladies’ Classic on Saturday with very special guests in attendance, for a very special reason. The family of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was present at Area High School in Greenville, Tennessee on December 28. Before the young ladies took the court, the family announced the recipients of the Naismith Good Sportsmanship Award of the Year. Shaquille O’Neal, for being the big-hearted teddy bear he is, is the deserved honoree. What’s interesting is that he shares the award with Caitlin Clark, someone Shaq very reluctantly admitted is the next big thing in basketball. That might not sit well with Angel Reese.

The honor, which was presented by Greeneville-based company N.E.M Sports, is the only award designed and handed out by the Naismith family themselves. Jim Naismith, the grandson of Dr. James Naismith, and his own daughters and grandsons were present to announce the award. The family collectively voted for Shaq and CC to receive the award.

One of Jim’s daughters told the school gym of spectators that O’Neal won the award for his charity, especially through his eponymous foundation, working with the Boys and Girls Club, and for “creating pathways for underserved youth.” For his entire legacy, the Naismith family called him “one of the best big men in the NBA.”  Shaq’s camp is yet to respond to the honor.

The honor comes less than a month after the big man himself revealed during a Shaq-A-Claus event that his $16 million youth facility in Las Vegas will hopefully be completed in two years. He also received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.

Shaq’s always wanted to be counted in league with his idol, Michael Jordan. While he’s got some way to go to be on the Forbes list, this is another way he’s closer to Jordan. MJ has received this honor in the past among others like Tennessee Lady Vols icon Pat Summitt and John Wooden. It’s sharing this award with Caitlin Clark that makes it more groundbreaking. And also awkward.

When Charles Barkley was criticizing the WNBA’s handling of Clark during the 2024 playoffs, Shaq was quiet. He later revealed that his ‘niece’ Angel Reese was mad at him about it. “She jumped on me, ‘Why don’t you say something to Charles [Barkley]?’” he said on The Big Podcast and proceeded to throw Chuck under the bus. And there were times Shaq made the rivalry between Clark and Reese more awkward.

Shaquille O’Neal came to terms with Caitlin Clark’s stardom

Most recipients of the Naismith Good Sportsmanship Award have had extensive careers, are in the Hall of Fame, and are pretty well established. Caitlin Clark has earned it after two thrilling NCAA seasons and one outstanding WNBA rookie season. The Naismith family said, “Caitlin Clark has been the singular force who has grown the women’s game in ways no college player ever has before and has transitioned that into the WNBA.”

While accurate, a part of the credit goes to Angel Reese too, whose rivalry with Clark from the NCAA to the WNBA made women’s basketball more exciting than ever before. Shaq has been on the LSU star’s side from the start. But after witnessing Clark in action at his first live WNBA game in 2024, Shaquille O’Neal admitted she’s got game. He confessed he was scared of picking Clark over Reese because of his loyalty to his Reebok signee.

Shaq’s reached a point where he can go on Unapologetically Angel and tell Reese in person, “She’s [Clark] doing stuff we never seen before…I was a hater because you know I’m down with you. She not gonna hit that shot then bam…like if i say 10 times you not gonna hit the shot and you hit the shot that means you the truth.”

Fun Fact: Shaq was the runner-up for the Naismith National Player of the Year award in 1990-91. Clark won the 2024 Naismith Player of the Year award. Both went on to win RoTY in their respective leagues. So this would be the first Naismith honor they share. Doesn’t seem like Shaq would mind.

Olympian and social media sensation Ilona Maher was at a loss for words after seeing Angel Reese’s daring New Year’s Eve outfit.

On Tuesday, Reese went viral after she posted on TikTok her rather head-turning attire for the New Year’s celebrations. The Chicago Sky forward wore a plunging Mocha Mousse dress with animal prints that left little to the imagination.

The revealing nature of the dress, thanks to its cut-out design in the midsection, had fans buzzing all over social media.

Reese posted her outfit again on Wednesday, this time on Instagram, along with a strong message for her fans and haters.

Maher, for her part, saw the dress and could only write, “Oh my goodness!!”

It’s hard to blame Maher for that reaction, though. After all, she’s not the only one who was left in disbelief over Reese’s wardrobe choice.

Fans also took to the comment section of Reese’s Instagram post to share their thoughts on her attire, with many expressing their amazement.

“That girl,” a fan wrote. Another one said, “Face. Body. YOU.”

“BIG MAMA,” a supporter added.

A fourth social media user shared, “ATE DOWN.”

Maher, who won bronze with the USA women’s rugby sevens team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is one of the most influential female athletes today. As someone who promotes body positivity, Maher commenting on Reese’s post certainly speaks volumes and only further highlights her support for other female athletes.

Bleacher Report released a ’25 Best Athletes of the Next 25 Years’ prediction list, and fans think Caitlin Clark should have a higher ranking.

There’s no question that Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has an extremely bright future.

But does she have a brighter future than any other athlete in the next 25 years? Bleacher Report seems to think so (with the exception of one other athlete), which they conveyed by placing Clark at No. 2 in a January 1 article titled ‘Predicting the 25 Best Athletes of the Next 25 Years’.

The article (which lists Angel Reese as No. 23, Paige Bueckers at No. 16, and JuJu Watkins at No. 14) wrote of Clark, “Few athletes have had a more profound impact on the popularity of their sport than Caitlin Clark has for women’s basketball over the past few years, going back to her time at the University of Iowa.

“With limitless range and a fearless trigger, Clark scored 3,951 points during her four seasons with the Hawkeyes, becoming the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball,” it continued.

“She won National Player of the Year honors during her junior and senior seasons, leading the nation in scoring and assists both years, and she averaged 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists her senior year.

“The Indiana Fever selected her No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft, and she won Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in MVP voting in her WNBA debut, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds while leading a team that finished 13-27 the previous year to a 20-20 record and a playoff berth.

“Attendance numbers for opposing teams when the Fever are in town tell the story of just how many eyes she has brought to her sport, and she is just getting started,” the article concluded.

While most of social media seems to agree that this is a respectable list, many believe Clark should be placed at No. 1 above San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama.

“They got it wrong! Caitlin easily should be number 1 wtf!,” one fan wrote.

“Yes. The Caitlin Clark!” another fan added in response to a post that asked, “Is there anyone that should be above Wemby?”

A third fan added, “Yes. Switch Caitlin and Wemby tbh”.

Time will tell whether Clark should indeed be above Wembanyama on this list.

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce started 2025 with a bang by inviting WNBA star and noted Kansas City Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark on their popular podcast, “New Heights.”

The collaboration between some of the most successful sports stars of 2024 was sure to draw plenty of fan fare, but the Kelces may not have expected Clark to open up about one of the sad parts of her early basketball career.

In an early clip released from Thursday’s episode, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year dove deep into her past, long before she became a WNBA All-Star and the NCAA all-time scoring leader.

Prompted by a question from Kansas City’s star tight end, Clark revealed that she had gotten her first college recruiting letter in seventh grade. She used a heavy description to reveal her feelings about that milestone, which left fans intrigued to hear the full conversation.

“It’s honestly sad,” Clark admitted. “Where college recruitment has gone, it’s just insane.”

Clark’s family shielded her from putting pressure on her future at such a young age. Her older brother would hide the mail from her, and the basketball starlet did not take any campus visits until after her freshman year of high school, according to the interview.

“As a long-time women’s sports fan, I’m excited for this episode,” wrote a fan in the YouTube comments.

“This girl has helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights!” another replied.

“Look forward to seeing the entire interview!” said an eager viewer.

The excitement to see Clark on “New Heights” has been present since the Kelces teased a special guest on the show before Christmas. The new clip, featuring an honest and vulnerable look at the WNBA star, only raised anticipation.

“So glad Caitlin was the surprise guest!” replied a fan of the show. “She will be a fun interview!”

“This should be a good episode,” said one YouTube comment. “I feel like Caitlin would have a lot of cool stories about what the WNBA is really like.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is half of the popular podcast, “New Heights,” with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles center, Jason.

Thursday’s episode is one of the most anticipated shows in the pair’s two-year-old venture.

The brothers released a trailer early on Wednesday that included Thursday’s special guest, WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Jason confirmed that Clark has been the most requested guest in the show’s history.

And Clark seems excited too.

“I don’t get excited about many things but this, this is at the top of my list,” Clark says.

Travis was seen near Clark during his girlfriend and pop star, Taylor Swift’s recent concert. That sparked speculation that Clark may be in the running to be a guest on the popular podcast.

“She was into the show for sure,” Travis said of Clark. “She was there with her mom and a few friends…she’s a Swiftie through and through man. Loves the show. I went to night two, she had already been to night one. I think she’s just having fun. Going up to the shows and taking her friends and family.”

The podcast launched on Sept. 8, 2022, and within weeks was the most-listened-to sports podcast on Spotify and third-most on Apple Podcast’s sports charts. New episodes are released every Wednesday during the NFL season.