The Rise of Caitlin Clark
The “Caitlin Clark Effect”
The Challenges of Being the Face of the Sport
Giving Back Beyond Basketball
Clark’s influence extends off the court as well. In 2023, she launched the Caitlin Clark Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on supporting youth through education, nutrition, and sports access. This foundation is a testament to Clark’s desire to leave a lasting legacy beyond her athletic achievements. She’s thinking about the future and the opportunities she can provide to the next generation of athletes, especially those who may not have had access to the resources that helped her rise to stardom.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
As Clark prepares for her second season in the WNBA in 2025, the expectations are sky-high. Her rookie season set an extraordinary benchmark for both performance and cultural impact. She has helped usher in a new era for women’s basketball, one where higher viewership, better compensation, and increased respect are starting to enter the conversation. Clark’s impact is now undeniable: she’s helped redefine what is possible for women’s sports, from shattering records to pushing the boundaries of media visibility.
Her rise in 2024 wasn’t just about breaking records—it was about shifting the trajectory of an entire sport. Clark’s ability to draw in millions of new fans, challenge long-standing narratives, and bring a new level of attention to women’s basketball is proof that one athlete can truly change the game. TIME’s recognition of Caitlin Clark as Athlete of the Year is more than just a personal honor—it’s a turning point for the entire sport of women’s basketball, signaling that the future of the game has arrived.
