The Indiana Fever were the talk of the WNBA this season. From Caitlin Clark putting up historic numbers to selling out arenas across the country, it was a memorable season. The entire league’s popularity is exploding, and things are just getting started.
Clark led the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 as she set a new record for most assists in a season. The 22-year-old number one overall pick was elite as a rookie and has room to grow. She is on the path to becoming a legend and changing the entire sport.
Clark and the WNBA were featured on a 60 Minutes segment on Sept. 29 where the Fever’s star shared a shocking signature moment to her first season. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also made a comment that should be refreshing to Fever fans.
Engelbert takes the pressure off Caitlin Clark as the face of the W
When asked about the Clark phenomenon, the commissioner talked up the 22-year-old rookie but was quick to mention the other top first-year talents. Hear her answer below.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks about the league’s watershed season crediting Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and other rookies, and noting that no league is about just one player. “You can’t create rivalries alone,” she says. https://t.co/OyBAPUkFl2 pic.twitter.com/94TRoQAZJU
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) September 30, 2024
Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink were also brought up as part of the historic rookie season. Engelbert noted the WNBA needs rivalries and compelling content to thrive.
Caitlin Clark brought a ton of fresh fans to the league, but everyone will remember the talk about her versus Reese dating back to their college battles. Paige Bueckers, the projected number one overall pick in 2025, plays the same position as Clark and could be a rival for the next decade in the W. Those storylines get fans tuning in, and this is just the beginning.
Engelbert was clearly trying to take the pressure off Caitlin Clark. The 22-year-old is unquestionably the league’s most popular player, but a ton comes with changing the game. The commissioner does not want the 22-year-old to feel like she is the only one carrying it. Clark started the revolution, but the WNBA features tons of talent ready to push it to new heights.
The league is forming new narratives. Stephen Curry versus LeBron James is always a massive matchup after their NBA Finals showdowns. Everyone is tuning in to see the Lakers face the Celtics because they are the two most storied franchises. Those showdowns are significant, and Engelbert wants to build similar matchups for Clark in the W.
Things are just getting started. Caitlin Clark will be significantly better in year two, and the Indiana Fever hope to make a deep playoff run. They must improve their roster this offseason to make that a reality. Expect the franchise to do whatever is possible, and stay tuned to see if a new narrative emerges heading into the 2025 season.