A few years ago, Rebecca Lobo said something that still rings true today.“I don’t know that we’ve ever seen a player on the women’s side quite like her on the men’s side,” Lobo told the Gazette, marveling at the kind of magic Caitlin Clark brought to the court. Comparisons to Steph Curry were already flying around, and let’s be real, that’s no throwaway name. Curry’s a GOAT. Yet somehow, Clark’s game was bending the rules even more. There were moments where Lobo said even Steph himself couldn’t hit some of the shots she casually nailed from the logo.
Now, Clark’s aura isn’t just about basketball anymore. It’s woven into everyday life. Over the weekend, Lobo shared a story that says more than any stat sheet ever could. She was just out, minding her business, when a 17-year-old boy wearing a WNBA hoodie stopped her, specifically to talk about Caitlin Clark.
Think about that for a second. A teenage boy. Repping a WNBA hoodie. Starting a conversation about women’s basketball.
A few years ago? You never would’ve imagined that. Now? It’s just part of the new world Caitlin Clark has helped create. That’s the backdrop for what’s happening this season.
There’s no end to Caitlin Clark’s momentum, and the world is just catching up. While plenty of media voices have given Clark her flowers during her historic rise, few can match the kind of career credibility Rebecca Lobo brings. Lobo, who herself won the AP Female Athlete of the Year back in 1995, has been one of Clark’s loudest supporters. And not just in broad strokes. She’s been specific. Lobbo called Caitlin “The best passer in the league,” and has repeatedly pointed out that beyond all the buzz, Clark’s game is “simply incredible.”
And really, look around. The numbers back it all up. The WNBA’s 2024 season wasn’t just a little better—it exploded. It became the most-watched season on ESPN platforms ever, with viewership jumping 155% compared to 2023. Fever games featuring Clark set record after record. The third game of her rookie year? It became the most-viewed WNBA game on ABC in league history, averaging 1.71 million viewers and peaking at nearly 2 million. Her matchup against the Connecticut Sun on ESPN2? The most-watched WNBA game on any ESPN platform. All of this has set the stage for an even bigger 2025.
She’s not just pulling numbers—she’s smashing them. And it’s not just on TV. Clark’s jersey sales? Outrageous. When Indiana dropped her jerseys last summer, they sold out within 15 minutes—despite costing $130 apiece. Fanatics reported that overall WNBA jersey sales spiked by over 500% compared to the previous year.
In fact, Caitlin outsold everyone in basketball merchandise last year except one person: Steph Curry. Yeah, she beat out LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and even Victor Wembanyama. That’s the level of heat we’re talking about.
Syndication: Iowa City Press-Citizen Caitlin Clark signs fan autographs after her jersey retirement ceremony Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa City , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJuliaxHansen/IowaxCityxPress-Citizenx USATSI_25356224
The trading card world saw it too. Earlier this year, one of Clark’s rookie cards—featuring her signature—sold for $366,000 at auction. That’s not just a record for a women’s sports card; that’s demolishing the old record by $100,000, beating out none other than Serena Williams.
Still, Caitlin Clark stays humble, hungry, and connected to everyone. After games, she signs autographs, high-fives kids, and ensures the next generation feels part of the movement she’s building. Young talents like 19-year-old Syla Swords noticed, “Women’s basketball isn’t just suddenly good. It’s been good,” she said. Now, more people are paying attention because of Clark. Coaches see it too. “They want to be in the gym all the time because of Caitlin Clark,” Coach Madie Manning said earlier.
This isn’t just hype. Clark’s presence drives kids to play. She’s not asking for influence. She’s earning it—one bucket, one assist, one autograph at a time. Caitlin Clark has changed everything. Many incredible women pushed the game forward before her. And now, a new chapter is underway. The Indiana Fever’s training camp has opened, and there’s a new energy pulsing through the building. It’s not just another camp. It’s the beginning of another W Caitlin Clark Era.
Caitlin Clark’s Fever ushers in a new era as the 2025 training camp begins
The Caitlin Clark era has officially begun in Indiana. The Fever opened training camp Sunday, and this year feels different. It’s not just about getting ready for another season — it’s about building something bigger. And it all starts with Clark leading the way. The Fever have 15 players in camp, but because of salary cap limitations, they’ll only be able to keep 11 on the opening day roster. Ten players are already signed to standard contracts, which means there’s a real battle brewing for that final spot. Five players are fighting to stick, knowing the room for error is slim.
At the top, the organization itself looks brand new, too. New president Kelly Krauskopf and general manager Amber Cox are in charge, bringing fresh energy and direction. After a few tough seasons, the Fever are serious about getting back into contention, and Clark’s arrival is a huge part of that vision.
On the court, there’s a familiar face running the show. Stephanie White is back as head coach after spending two years with the Connecticut Sun. She’s pulling together a staff full of familiar names like Austin Kelly, Briann January, and Keith Porter, with Karima Christmas-Kelly staying on to help smooth the transition.
Sep 22, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the game against Indiana Fever during game one of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Roster-wise, DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Brianna Turner are all on unprotected contracts — but don’t expect any surprise cuts there. And of course, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark are locked in on their rookie deals. They’re the core of everything the Fever are building toward 2025 and beyond.
Training camp isn’t just business as usual this year. It’s the start of a whole new era — and it’s all happening with Caitlin Clark right at the heart of it. As Bonner said after the first day of camp, “I’m just trying to give all the knowledge I can but also save my breath because they’re fast, they run a lot.” This camp is more than a preseason—it’s a new beginning for the Fever, and Clark is leading the charge.
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