Kaitlyn Clark, a rising star in women’s basketball, has recently earned a prestigious spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. At just 22 years old, Clark stands out as the only professional women’s basketball player to receive this honor. To give you an idea of her remarkable journey: imagine a 22-year-old athlete breaking records, captivating millions, and making it to a list usually dominated by seasoned professionals. For Clark, this accomplishment isn’t just a milestone—it’s part of her ongoing dominance in the sport.
Forbes recognized Clark for several groundbreaking achievements during her career, including her instrumental role in leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years. Along the way, she shattered the WNBA’s single-season assist record and earned Rookie of the Year honors. But her impact doesn’t stop there—she also led WNBA All-Star voting, attracting over 700,000 votes, and has played a key role in boosting the league’s overall viewership and attendance.
However, not everyone in the WNBA is cheering for Clark’s success. Asia Wilson, another WNBA icon, has been making headlines for her attempts to stay relevant as Clark’s star continues to rise. These moves have raised suspicions of jealousy and even sparked some drama within the league. But despite the tension, Clark remains focused on her craft, showing leadership both on and off the court.
In her debut season, Clark didn’t just play well; she rewrote the record books. She broke 62 records—yes, 62—during her time on the court. And this wasn’t just a win for Clark personally; her success translated into massive gains for the WNBA as a whole. Her games brought in four times the average viewership compared to the rest of the league, helping to elevate the profile of women’s basketball. This wasn’t just about her individual performance—it was a win for the entire league.
Clark’s business impact is just as remarkable. For instance, she earned $1.1 million in 2024, with 95% of that coming from endorsements. Her Nike deal alone is worth $28 million over eight years, a staggering figure compared to her relatively modest WNBA salary. What this highlights is Clark’s ability to turn her on-court success into a broader cultural phenomenon. She’s proving that women’s sports aren’t just about athletes—there’s real business potential when the right person comes along to tap into it.
Despite the growing success of women’s basketball, there are veteran players, like Wilson, who feel overshadowed. These players have spent years fighting for better recognition, pay, and media coverage. But with Clark’s meteoric rise, they now find themselves competing for the spotlight. Some veterans feel that Clark is taking all the media attention, endorsements, and financial perks that they fought so hard for. One specific incident caused waves: when it was revealed that Wilson had started charging $110,000 for speaking events—$10,000 more than Clark’s reported fee. Fans weren’t impressed, accusing Wilson of trying to stay relevant by copying Clark’s success
Throughout all this, Clark has maintained grace under pressure, keeping her focus on her game and her teammates. While others are caught up in drama, she quietly continues to build her reputation as a leader and team player. This maturity and professionalism have made her even more beloved by fans.
The WNBA is currently facing a significant generational shift. Clark is ushering in a new era where players aren’t just competing on the court—they’re also playing a key role in shaping the business side of the game. Her rise has been so transformative that it’s forcing league officials to rethink their financial structures. The upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations could lead to major changes in how players are compensated, with players like Clark showing just how much influence a single athlete can have on the bottom line of the entire league.
Clark’s impact goes beyond money; it’s about the way she’s sparking excitement around women’s sports. With higher TV ratings, larger audiences at games, and more merchandise sales, Clark’s presence is not just a win for her career—it’s a win for the entire sport. Other women’s sports have had transformative moments before, and now, it seems, women’s basketball is having its own moment of change. The league can either embrace this new wave of energy or risk being left behind.
There’s no denying the profound effect Clark has had on the WNBA. She’s changing the landscape of women’s basketball in ways we’ve never seen before, and her impact will likely resonate for years to come. Whether or not the league fully recognizes her influence, it’s clear that the WNBA is not the same as it was before Caitlyn Clark came into the picture. She’s rewriting the playbook, and the future of women’s sports may very well be shaped by the path she’s carving.
