PHOENIX- Upon entering the press briefing room after the WNBA All-Star Game, Indiana Fever newcomer Caitlin Clark humorously declared, “I’m officially on holiday!”
Her lighthearted remark sparked laughter among the gathered journalists, and she chose to keep her plans for the Olympic break a secret. Clark has entered the WNBA at a time of unparalleled expansion and attention, largely due to her outstanding college career.
When questioned about the increasing popularity of the WNBA and her emotions about being a part of it, she recognized the long-overdue recognition for the players who have contributed to building the league.
“It’s a moment of great significance for the athletes who have dedicated themselves to this league for a substantial period of time. They rightfully deserve these moments and opportunities. We have been waiting for this for quite a while, and I believe we are just at the beginning,” stated Clark. “The recent media rights deal will be beneficial. Progress is gradual, year by year, step by step, the quality will only improve, providing people with the chance to witness the high standard of women’s basketball at the professional level.
“I am incredibly grateful and appreciative, and if I can make a positive impact in any way, that’s my ultimate goal. I aim to bring more individuals to support this game.”
In the upcoming two seasons, the WNBA is set to introduce two new expansion teams. The Golden State Valkyries will debut in the 2025 season, followed by a Toronto franchise yet to be named in 2026. These additional spots on rosters will create more opportunities for players, while the new teams can aid in expanding the game into fresh markets.
“This development will certainly help in the growth of the league. It will attract more attention, reaching new markets,” shared Clark. “The importance of talent at the college level is widely acknowledged. By bringing more of those players into this league, we can tap into the existing fan base at the collegiate level and continue to engage them in our sport.”
Caitlin Clark Sustains her Campaign for Rookie of the Year
Following the Olympic break, Caitlin Clark will rejoin the Fever as the WNBA season recommences in mid-August, continuing her pursuit of the Rookie of the Year title. She is currently engaged in a close contest with Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. The pair were teammates at the All-Star Game and delighted fans by connecting on a play during the match.
Although Clark’s scoring was limited in the All-Star Game, with just four points on 2-of-9 shooting and 0-of-7 from beyond the arc, she excelled in distributing the ball, providing ten assists and a significant contribution as Team WNBA’s starting point guard.
Clark has appeared in all 26 games for the Fever thus far, averaging slightly over 35 minutes per game. Her stats include 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 40.5% from the field, 32.7% from three-point range, and an impressive 89.1% from the free-throw line.
By earning a starting role as the point guard for Team WNBA at the 2024 All-Star Game, Clark followed in the footsteps of her Fever teammate Aliyah Boston, becoming one of the first two rookies to achieve this feat since Schoni Schimmel did so in 2013.
Image Source: Caitlin Clark @ Instagram
