University of Miami women’s basketball stars Haley and Hanna Cavinder joined OutKick‘s “Hot Mic” to talk about Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s basketball.
After the Indiana Fever selected former Iowa standout Caitlin Clark with the first overall pick in last month’s draft, there has been much discussion over her influence on the WNBA and the development of women’s basketball.
The answer to Haley and Hanna Cavinder is pretty clear, and no debate is necessary.
Haley Cavinder spoke highly of Clark, saying she’s a player that only comes around once in a generation.
“I think Caitlin Clark is a once-in-a-lifetime player,” Cavinder said. “What she’s done for the game over the last year is insanely good for women’s basketball, such as the viewership and revenue. People are way more intrigued by it. You can tell by the March Madness viewership.
“What she’s done as a whole – everybody will miss her. She’s fun to watch.”
“She’s fun to watch. Everyone wants to watch her,” Haley continued.
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“I think she’s amazing, and that’s why people want to watch. And that’s what grows the game. Even going into the women’s NBA, I don’t think I’ve ever watched women’s NBA more because Caitlin Clark’s in that league. I think what she’s doing for the game is great for women’s basketball.”
The Indiana Fever’s rising star, Clark, has captured fans with her unmatched skill and charisma on the court. She has also revived interest in women’s basketball around the country.
Some people have questioned Caitlin Clark’s WNBA ascent. A’ja Wilson, a star for the Las Vegas Aces, reportedly implied that race had a big part in Clark’s appeal. Later, Becky Hammon, Wilson’s coach, ordered the media to “knock it off” in regards to the racial storyline but later explained that her remarks were being “misconstrued.”
Since 2001, the most watched WNBA game was Clark’s professional debut with the Indiana Fever. That followed her being the star of the last three games of Iowa’s most recent March Madness tournament—three of the four most-watched women’s NCAA tournaments ever.
Caitlin Clark Signs Multiyear Deal With Wilson Sporting Goods
Clark agreed to a multiyear contract with Wilson Sporting Goods in May in order to create a trademark basketball line, per The AP. In addition, the top choice in the WNBA draft will evaluate, counsel, and offer comments on a variety of Wilson basketball equipment.
“Wilson has been with me across some of the most pivotal moments in my career so far, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue driving basketball forward alongside them,” said Clark, who set the NCAA Division I all-time scoring record. “It feels surreal to have my own basketball collection, and to affect what that means for future generations of athletes.”
Throughout the remainder of 2024, Wilson will introduce collections honoring Clark, and in conjunction with her, they will artistically direct her first-ever trademark basketball line, which will debut later this year.
“Wilson is made to celebrate the most iconic moments in sport, and we have always aligned ourselves with trailblazers who break boundaries and write their own story,” said Amanda Lamb, head of global brand at Wilson. “Caitlin Clark is not just a record-setting athlete but a cultural icon who has had a profound impact on the game. We couldn’t be prouder to join forces with her to continue innovating basketball both on and off the court.”
