Caitlin Clark, a senior guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, is making waves in the sport with her exceptional skills and record-breaking stats. She averaged 32 points per game during the regular season and became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball history in March. Expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark’s talent has garnered unprecedented interest in women’s basketball. In the Elite Eight game against LSU, which attracted over 12 million viewers and became the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history, Clark led her team to victory.
Celebrities and prominent figures have taken notice of Caitlin Clark’s success on the basketball court. From Hollywood stars like Jason Sudeikis, Travis Scott, and Ashton Kutcher to sports icons like Tom Brady and LeBron James, many have shared their admiration and support for Clark. Even President Joe Biden congratulated her on her historic achievements in NCAA basketball. Billie Jean King, the tennis legend and advocate for gender equity in sports, praised Clark’s abilities and leadership both on and off the court. Stephen Curry, another basketball star known for his long-range shooting, has also expressed his admiration for Clark’s skills.
Some celebrities, like Tim McGraw and Lil Durk, have gone the extra mile to show their support for Clark. McGraw donned Clark’s jersey during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, and Lil Durk even offered to double Ice Cube’s $5 million offer to have Clark play in his pro basketball league, BIG3. Ice Cube’s initial offer aimed to provide Clark with opportunities for financial success and to break down barriers for women athletes. The current maximum salary in the WNBA is significantly lower than that of the NBA, prompting these celebrities to offer Clark different opportunities for her career.
Clark’s basketball hero, Maya Moore, surprised her on Senior Day by embracing her outside the Iowa locker room. Moore, an Olympian and former UConn and Minnesota Lynx player, emphasized the importance of inspiring and supporting the next generation of athletes, referencing her own experiences meeting legends in her youth. Clark has also received praise from football legends Eli and Peyton Manning, who acknowledged her remarkable shooting skills and ability to inspire millions of people through her achievements on the court. LeBron James, one of basketball’s greatest players, has highlighted the iconic legacy that players like Clark are building in women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark’s impact extends beyond the basketball court, as she continues to break records and inspire both athletes and fans. With her exceptional scoring ability, leadership, and overall skill set, Clark has garnered attention not only from basketball stars and celebrities but also from prominent figures in politics and advocacy. As she prepares to enter the professional ranks and continue her remarkable career, Clark’s influence on women’s sports and the broader culture of basketball is undeniable, setting a new standard for excellence and representation in the game.
