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[Saba Sports News] Caitlin Clark was recently named *Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year* for 2024, and in a feature interview with the publication, she addressed a range of topics, including her acknowledgment of the privilege she has benefited from as a white athlete and her belief in the importance of elevating Black women in the WNBA.
“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.
“The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important,” she added. “I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing.”
Clark’s comments touch on a long-standing issue in the WNBA. While Black players make up about 70% of the league, many of its most talented athletes have struggled to receive adequate endorsement opportunities.
A’ja Wilson, a three-time MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, has only recently begun to see major investments from brands, a stark contrast to Clark’s rapid rise in the commercial space.
That said, Clark’s success has been earned through her remarkable performance on the court. In her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, the 22-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
She was named Rookie of the Year, made the All-Star team, and finished fourth in MVP voting. Her stellar play has brought significant attention to the WNBA, setting her apart as one of the league’s most impactful stars.
However, Clark’s rookie season wasn’t without challenges. She faced physical play from opponents, leading to speculation about whether she was being targeted. Clark dismissed this notion, saying, “I never thought I was being targeted. Obviously, that shouldn’t ever happen within a game. But basketball is physical. Your emotions can get the best of you. My emotions have gotten the best of me many times.”
One controversial moment occurred on June 1, when Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter delivered a cheap shot to Clark during a game. In the aftermath, it appeared that Carter’s teammate, Angel Reese, applauded the incident, though Clark downplayed the narrative. “I don’t even know if she really knew what happened,” Clark said. “Honestly, I don’t think she was cheering because somebody hit me. I really don’t think that would be the case. I hope not.”
The two rivals are set to face off early in the 2025 season when the Chicago Sky meet the Indiana Fever on May 17. As Clark continues to elevate her game and use her platform to advocate for inclusivity, her influence on and off the court remains undeniable.