3 Future Caitlin Clark rivals who aren't even in the WNBA yet

The Indiana Fever winning the 2024 draft lottery was massive. Caitlin Clark was the obvious number-one pick and did not disappoint. The 22-year-old was fourth in MVP voting and ran away with Rookie of the Year in a historic class. Clark changed the entire W by bringing thousands of fans. Her popularity is on another level, and it has grown the entire sport.

Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson helped make this a historic class. Reese is arguably the second-most popular player in the W behind Clark, and this group is ushering in a new wave. With popularity exploding and expansion happening, salaries will continue to rise and attract even more talent.

There are already stars waiting in the NCAA to leap into the WNBA. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was clear about the need for rivalries. Several youngsters could challenge Clark for the crown, including two projected number one overall picks in the years ahead. Here is a look at the most likely names

3. Flau'jae Johnson

The 5’10 point guard is entering her junior season at LSU and will likely be in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She was a starter on the Tigers NCAA championship squad in 2023, including having ten points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal in the finals win over Caitlin Clark and Iowa.

Johnson was even better in year two and shined as the Hawkeyes got their revenge in the Elite Eight. The 5’10 guard is not as popular as former teammate Angel Reese, but she is certainly one of the stars of college basketball this season. Johnson has 1.9 million followers on Instagram and has time to grow.

Can Flau’jae go full superstar mode in her final two college seasons? She is certainly a marquee name, and her popularity could explode if LSU makes another championship run. She may not be the pick in 2026, but Johnson will have plenty of buzz as she enters the W.

2. Paige Bueckers

Clark and Bueckers were college rivals dating back to the 2021 NCAA Tournament when UConn defeated Iowa in the Sweet 16. The Huskies guard had 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight dimes to top Clark. UConn lost to Arizona in the NCAA Finals in 2021.

Bueckers led the Huskies to a second-straight NCAA championship game before tearing her ACL and missing the entire 2022-23 season. She returned for the 2023-24 campaign only to lose to Clark and the Hawkeyes in the Final Four. The Fever’s star had 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven dimes in the win.

Bueckers is back at UConn looking to finally win an NCAA title, but projects to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The 5’11 guard plans on several more meetings against Clark. It may take Bueckers some time but do not be surprised to see her as one of the best players in W in short order. It will be fascinating to watch her battle Clark and the Fever.

Bueckers may be the top selection in the 2025 draft, but a bigger star may be on the horizon.

1. JuJu Watkins

Watkins is only in her sophomore season at USC, but she averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 34.6 minutes per game in year one. The Trojans lost to UConn in the Elite Eight, but Watkins was an All-American.

Watkins already has some massive endorsement deals and plans to take her game and popularity to the next level. She’s got next, but fans will have to wait until likely 2027 to see her in the WNBA.

Clark should be entering her prime as Watkins arrives. There will be several juicy battles for supremacy, and these may already be the two most marketable women’s basketball players on the planet. Watkins has tons of hype and is already living up to it.

The WNBA is just getting started. Expect the league to keep growing rapidly as more talent enters. Caitlin Clark is the face and she will soon have several rivals ready to knock her off. Buckle up because the excitement is just beginning.