Caitlin Clark mania goes global as women in Iceland welcome WNBA phenom’s play with late-night watch parties

Caitlin Clark mania goes global as women in Iceland welcome WNBA phenom’s play (Credit: Getty Images)

Dating back to her time in college, Caitlin Clark has built up a strong fan base with her historical play. As her rookie season comes to a close, it appears that fandom for her stretches far beyond the United States.

Over the past decade, basketball has become a global game. Many top stars in the NBA hail from overseas, and the same goes for the women as well. With basketball’s reach spanning around the globe, people in numerous countries are tuning in to see the rookie phenom play.

Posts have surfaced on social media that fans in Iceland have started to come together and have watch parties for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Despite the games starting much later, they stay up to see the sensational guard in action.

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In her first year in the WNBA, Clark averages 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and a league-high 8.4 assists. She set a new single-season record in assists and also broke the rookie scoring record on Sunday.

Behind this stellar play from the 2024 No. 1 pick, Indiana has clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2016.

Caitlin Clark’s humble response to career-high outing vs Dallas Wings

On Sunday, the Indiana Fever had their last home game of the regular season. Along with coming away with a nail-biting win, the crowd witnessed another career outing from Caitlin Clark.

The Fever took down the Dallas Wings 110-109, and the rookie phenom was the driving force. Clark erupted for 35 points, setting a new career-high for her. Along with her big scoring numbers, she also tallied two rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

After the game, Caitlin Clark was asked about setting a new career high. She gave herself some credit but quickly moved on to shout out her teammates and Fever fans.

“I felt like I played a good game, my shot felt well,” Clark said. “I’m proud of this group and I’m tahnkful for these fans. It’s been a fun season inside here and hopefully we can bring the playoffs back here a few times for them as well.”

Aside from Clark, Kelsey Mitchell (30 points) and Aliyah Boston (15 points, six rebounds, six assists) were catalysts in the Fever’s win on Sunday. This victory also ensured Indiana will have its first .500 season since 2016.

The Fever have their regular season finale on Thursday against the Washington Mystics. After that, they’ll begin preparing for the playoffs. Indiana will likely face the Connecticut Sun in round one.