Posted on 06/22/2024 6:01:36 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The WNBA star is making waves in the American sports mainstream
Caitlin Clark has become one of the most popular athletes in the United States, even surpassing Patrick Mahomes in terms of popularity with sports fans.
The 22-year-old, a rookie sensation for the Indiana Fever, was the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft after breaking the all-time points scoring record in the NCAA with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Caitlin Clark in hilarious moment with her unexpected response to a reporter But her rise from college athlete to WNBA mainstay is now secure, with fans following her all over America as she begins her career with the Fever.
According to ESPN's data, Clark ranks as the fourth "most-favorited active athlete," which puts her even ahead of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes. That is despite the fact Mahomes, 28, is a three-time Super Bowl champion and arguably the most high-profile QB in the NFL.
Clark has only been trumped by U.S sport stars such as NBA icon LeBron James, golfer and 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods, and another NBA hero, Steph Curry.
Her popularity at such a young age is remarkable, especially considering her recent transition from a college star at Iowa to a professional player in the WNBA. Clark's impact has been profound, driving significant TV ratings and selling out arenas.
Her influence is reshaping the league, making the Fever's games must-watch events, with other stars such as Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart propping up the league too.
Caitlin Clark's influence in U.S sport
Beyond her basketball achievements, Clark's influence extends into various aspects of sporting culture. She has been seen energizing crowds at NBA playoff games, engaging with fans, and even making appearances on prominent television shows like 'Saturday Night Live', embracing her new status as an A-list celebrity.
Her appeal is not just limited to her on-court prowess but also her charismatic personality and relatability, which have endeared her to fans across the country.
Of course, there are critics of how Clark's rise has been prioritized over other black players who are regarded as being on a similar level of talent, but are overlooked due to their race.
But few can argue with her achievements in her youthful career so far, and she is well on the road to become the U.S's most marketable athlete in the future.
Envy seems to be in play here. Caitlin has been the target of vicious fouls , one of which resulted in a busted eardrum.
She’s never going to complain.
“but are overlooked due to their race”
Ah, pigment content - we never guessed this must be the reason. All this time we thought it was because they are a-holes.
i think it is the alliteration
it has to be
Caitlin can actually play ball. Other athletes, it's awkward to watch them to play.
Women’s basketball is a financial loser both at the college & professional level.
The sport is big enough that WBB coaches demand high pay, but the numbers with the networks & the gate just aren’t there.
If you like it.....enjoy it while you can, because long-term.... WBB is a loser.
You know, sometimes such things help.
..and just coincidentally, they happen to broadcast the games...
Will the WNBA recognize what they have? If no, they’re doomed worse than they already were.
I am surprised a player named Elena Delle Donne isn't more famous.
Once I was musing to myself that shooting (in basketball) might be something women could do about as well as men.
In the NBA there have been 14 50-40-90 seasons by 10 players since the first one in 86/87. (Larry Bird has two, Steve Nash has four, and is one free throw from five in a row.)
One G League player has done it. 11 player's have done it in men's NCAA basketball, with no one doing it more than once. I heard seven players in Euroleague have done it, but I don't have solid evidence.
Only one woman has done it at the pro or college level: Elena Delle Donne did it on 2019. (I can't find any list for this at the high school level.)
Melting 3s from a step over the line?
Sweet
Maybe she's a good shooter. I'll take your word for it. But for whatever reason, she's not a "star".
There is channel called ION, and they are now playing WNBA games, which I never saw before. Sports podcasts, YouTube, and radio shows actually talk about the WNBA, which never happened before. Right now, people may be talking more about WNBA than MLB.
Well, she may not be as big as Caitlin, but she was on TV for the NBA All Star game, competing against Steph Curry, so for WNBA, she kind of was a star. If the league is going to grow, they need more players to be known. She is Orthodox, married to an NFL player, and could be one of the candidates.
I heard one pundit actually say that Clark is known for her ability to trash talk other players, as if that explains the vicious hit she took on the court. I guess white girls can’t talk sh!t to black girls or they’ll get what’s coming to them.
That won't happen if they beat up CC.
Is she really a Larry Bird/Kevin Garnett/Gary Payton level trash talker?
Look, she doesn’t complain about it or act hurt, so eventually they will stop doing it.
Time will tell. But if she gets hurt, we'll go back to ignoring the WNBA like we did the past 25 years.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.