Caitlin Clark's WNBA Impact Leaves Legend Grateful
Sarah Johnson
March 30, 2025
Brief
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie supports Caitlin Clark amid controversy over Indiana Fever's TV coverage, highlighting Clark's positive impact and rising influence on women's basketball viewership.
WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has come out in full support of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, addressing the buzz around the team’s 41 nationally televised games this season. For context, the Fever’s sudden spike in air time is directly tied to Clark’s meteoric rise during her rookie 2024 season, where her sharpshooting skills had arenas scrambling to accommodate her growing fan base.
Not everyone’s thrilled about this, though. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier called it "crazy" that the Fever snagged more national TV slots than defending champions, the New York Liberty. But Leslie, ever the voice of reason, seems unbothered. "It’s all about money, marketing, and we cannot deny what Caitlin Clark has done for the women’s game," she told USA Today. Leslie added, "Why would we feel some type of way that she has more television games? ... She deserves that and she’s helped change this game." Honestly, is anyone surprised? Clark has been a game-changer since day one.
The three-time WNBA MVP expressed her gratitude for Clark, urging the league to see the bigger picture. "When one player eats, we’re all eating," Leslie remarked. "She opens up opportunities for everyone. I love that she’s not the type to make it all about herself. She respects the players who came before her, shares the spotlight with her teammates, and doesn’t hog the glory." High praise, and honestly, spot on.
It’s undeniable that Caitlin Clark has become the face of the WNBA. The 14 most-watched WNBA games of the season featured the Fever, making them the league’s most-watched team by a mile. Love her or not, Clark’s impact is shaping the future of women’s basketball, and that’s something the league desperately needs.
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Editor's Comments
Caitlin Clark has pretty much become the Beyoncé of the WNBA—if Beyoncé also brought in TV ratings and packed arenas like nobody’s business. But while some players might grumble, Lisa Leslie’s take nails it: Clark’s success is a rising tide lifting all boats. It’s refreshing to see someone so young already elevating the game while staying humble. Honestly, the WNBA could use a few more Caitlins.
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