Happy New Year 92%ers, we’ve got an incredible episode to kick off 2025. Joining us today is WNBA Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark!
Caitlin and the guys talk about everything from winning Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, why she isn’t a bandwagon Chiefs fan, what it was really like hanging with Travis at the Eras tour, and the biggest takeaways from her historic rookie season.
We also find out just how close she came to playing for Notre Dame, who can name the most Iowa NFL players, pitch ideas to help the NBA ratings, her GOAT basketball shoe, and so much more.
We will be back next week to break down the NFL Playoffs and maybe some other surprises!
You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Posts tagged as “Caitlin Clark”
Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports https://t.co/FUpdChPSI5
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 24, 2024
After being honored as TIME’s Athlete of the Year, Indiana Fever and WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark is named Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year, which was due to “her impact on and off the court.”
Doug Feinberg, reporting for AP;
A group of 74 sports journalists from The Associated Press and its members voted on the award. Clark received 35 votes, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was second with 25 and boxer Imane Khelif was third, getting four votes.
Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931, joining Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995) and Candace Parker (2008, 2021).
To think, this is just her 1st year in the WNBA!
I recommend that you read the entirety of the AP article, which explains why she got the award.
University of Iowa Athletics Department has announced that they will retire the iconic No. 22 of Hawkeye women’s basketball legend, Caitlin Clark on Feb. 2, 2025, at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
“I’m forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said. “It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I’ve admired for so long.”
Clark will be in attendance and the Hawkeyes will face Juju Watkins and the USC Women’s basketball team. The game is will air on FOX and the Hawkeye Radio Network.
To the rafters.
2.2.25@CaitlinClark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Qjq1Y1VfrZ
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) December 18, 2024
TIME Athlete of the Year Caitlin Clark shared her excitement for the future of the WNBA—and women’s sports as a whole—during a conversation with NBC sports producer and broadcaster Maria Taylor at the “A Year in TIME” event in New York on Dec. 11.
Coinciding with the release of TIME’s Person of the Year issue, the event also included a performance from TIME’s Icon of the Year, Elton John and a conversation with TIME’s CEO of the Year, Lisa Su.
Caitlin Clark is TIME's Athlete of the Year https://t.co/WtgLuIIYhb pic.twitter.com/oGDewhUPcB
— TIME (@TIME) December 10, 2024
After a historic rookie season in the WNBA, Fever’s Caitlin Clark is named as Time’s Athlete of the Year. In the article, Clark talked about her journey from setting the new NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball scoring record to winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year. She also talked about her approach regarding fans and the game as well as “white privilege” and women’s basketball, also all the “controversies” surrounding her going to the WNBA.
The 6,000 plus word article is worth reading specially if you a fan of Caitlin Clark or Women’s Basketball as a whole.
As early as today, the WNBA has release the full schedule of the full schedule of the 2025 Regular Season and it will start on May 16th.
Here are some of the notable dates/games for the coming season.
May 17th
- Indiana vs Chicago – A well rested Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Two of the top rookies.
- Las Vegas vs New York – A rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
June 27th
- Indiana vs Dallas – Indiana’s ROTY Caitlin Clark will face-off Paige Bueckers, for the first time in the W, UConn Star Paige Bueckers is projected to be the No. 1 draft pick and expected to be in a Dallas unis.
2025 WNBA SCHEDULE: SEASON TIP OFF PRESENTED BY CARMAX
| Day | Date | Visitor | Home | Local Time | Eastern Time |
| Fri. | May 16 | Atlanta | Washington | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 16 | Minnesota | Dallas | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 16 | Los Angeles | Golden State | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Chicago | Indiana | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Las Vegas | New York | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Seattle | Phoenix | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sun. | May 18 | Washington | Connecticut | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun. | May 18 | Minnesota | Los Angeles | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Mon. | May 19 | Seattle | Dallas | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | May 20 | Las Vegas | Connecticut | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Tue. | May 20 | Atlanta | Indiana | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Wed. | May 21 | Dallas | Minnesota | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Wed. | May 21 | Washington | Golden State | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Thu. | May 22 | Indiana | Atlanta | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Thu. | May 22 | New York | Chicago | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Connecticut | Minnesota | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Washington | Las Vegas | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Golden State | Los Angeles | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Phoenix | Seattle | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
Additionally, WNBA teams can begin negotiating with free agents on Sunday, Jan. 21. Free agents can begin signing contracts with teams on Thursday, Feb. 1.
It’s official, Indiana Fever has introduce Stephanie White as the Fever’s Head Coach. Joining her in the introductory press conference, is newly minted Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Amber Cox, Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball and Business Operations, with Fever Superstars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull.
You can watch the 28-mins Introductory Press Conference below;
An Indiana native, Stephanie White earn the moniker Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School in West Lebanon, then in college while in Purdue, led the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.
Stephanie White spent five seasons in the WNBA, the majority with the Fever, joining the team for their inaugural season in 2000. Her contributions to the franchise are significant, as she ranks among the top 20 in games played, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made.
Stephanie White is a seasoned WNBA coach, spending 17 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the league. She previously led the Indiana Fever, guiding them to the 2015 WNBA Finals and the 2016 playoffs. Her coaching journey also includes assistant roles with the Fever, Chicago Sky, and various collegiate teams, highlighting her diverse experience and strategic acumen.
Here’s an exclusive 1-on-1 interview of the new Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White with Pat Boylan.
Indiana Fever has let go of head coach Christie Sides after a Historic Season with Rookie Superstar Caitlin Clark
It appears that Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will have a new Head Coach next season, as the team announced that they have parted ways with Christie Sides.
In their announcement, “We are incredibly thankful to Coach Sides for embracing the challenge of leading us through an integral transition period over the last two seasons, while also positioning us well for future growth,” said Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf. “While decisions like these are never easy, it is also imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana. Coach Sides was an incredible representative of the Fever and our community, and we wish her nothing but success in the future.”
Leave it better than you found it.✌🏼
— Christie Sides (@ChristieSides) October 27, 2024
Christie Sides still have 2 years remaining in his 4-year contract with the team and in those two years she had 33-47 (.413) regular-season record, which includes the 20-20 this season and making it to the playoffs since 2016. It’s unclear why Sides was let go but it could have been the 1 – 8 “slow” start of the season and the sweep in the postseason, even though the team had the best offensive rating (109.6 points per 100 possessions) in the league after the Olympic break.
Indiana Fever will be the sixth WNBA team to part ways with their coach, together with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. Then add the management change of the Las Vegas Aces.
the grind don't stop 😤
Caitlin Clark knocks down 25-straight threes during an offseason workout. pic.twitter.com/njK0oa4h3k
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 25, 2024
Caitlin Clark is entering Steph Curry territory with her shooting!
It is currently off-season for Caitlin and the entire WNBA. Clark is schedule to participate in the coming LPGA pro-am at The Annika this November.
In an article on Sports Illustrated, Scott Agness of “Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness” explained that Catlin Clark is practicing in the old practice court of the Indiana Pacers, “Fever use the practice court inside The Fieldhouse, what used to be for the Pacers. Now the Pacers have a $50M facility across the street, the St. Vincent Center, which opened in 2017,”
Your 2024 All-WNBA First Team ⬇️
Napheesa Collier
A'ja Wilson
Breanna Stewart
Caitlin Clark
Alyssa Thomas#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/906uOqZsDp— WNBA (@WNBA) October 16, 2024
Just hours before Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the league announced the 2024 All-WNBA First Team which is headline by the Caitlin Clark, who was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year; A’ja Wilson, the first unanimous MVP and Napheesa Collier, who was named as the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Caitlin Clark is the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to be selected to the All-WNBA First Team, and the fifth rookie so honored since 2000, joining Sue Bird (2002), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004).
Joining Clark, Wilson and Collier, the league also named Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart as part of the 2024 All-WNBA First Team.
The 2024 All-WNBA Second Team consists of Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper, Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Liberty center Jonquel Jones.
Your 2024 All-WNBA Second Team ⬇️
Sabrina Ionescu
Kahleah Copper
Nneka Ogwumike
Arike Ogunbowale
Jonquel Jones#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/Wqq0x9omWo— WNBA (@WNBA) October 16, 2024
WNBA just announcedx that they will change the game format of First Round of the WNBA Playoffs and the WNBA Finals.
The league said “the WNBA Board of Governors has approved a new, best-of-seven format for the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, effective with the 2025 season, replacing the best-of-five format. The Board has also approved a 1-1-1 setup for the best-of-three First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and its opponent hosting Game 2 – a change from the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and its opponent hosting Game 3.”
Currently, the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs is 2-1. From a financial perspective, the current 2-1 format benefits the higher-seeded team. This is because they host the entire first round, assuming they sweep the series. This gives them an advantage in ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and other game-related income.
A good example, is the first round series between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever. The Fever got swept in the series, since the first two games was hosted by the Sun, both games got an attendance of total of 17,820. If there was at least 1 game being played in Indiana, them being the most popular team because of Caitlin Clark, we can assume that the attendance will be similar to their last home game in the regular season, with an attendance of 17,274.
The WNBA announced an increase in regular-season games to 44 per team starting next season, up from 40 games in the past two seasons. This is to accommodate the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the league’s 13th franchise. Each WNBA Teams have played 40 regular-season games in each of the last two seasons.
More hoops anyone? 🏀 👀
In case you missed it, we announced some big changes for next season:
1. First round of WNBA Playoffs Presented by Google will move to 1-1-1 configuration
2. The WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV will now be a best-of-seven format
3. Regular-season… pic.twitter.com/gcoHSP9RYz— WNBA (@WNBA) October 11, 2024
“We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The incredible demand for WNBA basketball makes this the ideal time to increase the regular season to 44 games per team and expand the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to a best-of-seven series,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “These changes will create more opportunities to watch the best players in the world compete at the highest level and give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”
Rather than going abroad to play basketball elsewhere, it appears that Caitlin Clark will playing a different sports this off season. Clark will participate in this year’s The Annika in November, the penultimate tournament on the LPGA Tour schedule hosted by Annika Sorenstam. Caitlin Clark will is a panelist at the Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, then will play in the Wednesday Pro-Am game, both taking place at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla.
“I love golf so the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting,” said Clark. “Gainbridge® is a leader in supporting women’s sports and that’s clear through their commitment to me, this event, Billie Jean King, and Parity Week. I’m looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women’s Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika.”
Catch WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. We are excited to have Caitlin join us as a panelist at the Women’s Leadership Summit on Nov. 12 and tee it up at the Pro-Am on Nov. 13.
Read more at https://t.co/Ol26PV7Zsj pic.twitter.com/IlOe3Ga294— The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican (@theANNIKAlpga) October 7, 2024
Caitlin Clark have been known to play golf while playing with the Iowa hawkeyes in college, she played with former Masters champion Zach Johnson at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am in 2023. So this is nothing new to her but it remains to be seen if her golf skills will be as good as her basketball skills.
A Generational Class 🌟
These young stars put on a SHOW this season, making their mark on the league and shifting the game in a whole new direction. Your 2024 All-Rookie Team came ready to WORK#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/IcU59Rgu71
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2024
Together with the announcement of the Rookie of the Year, WNBA also announced the players for the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team, that includes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, arguably the two most popular of the 2024 rookie class.
- Caitlin Clark (IND)
- Rickea Jackson (LAS)
- Angel Reese (CHI)
- Kamilla Cardoso (CHI)
- Leonie Fiebich (NYL)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, the WNBA announced today. She gives the Fever back-to-back winners of the annual award after Indiana forward-center Aliyah Boston earned the honor last season.
Clark received 66 votes from a national panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received one vote.
After weeks of waiting, the WNBA has officially named Caitlin Clark as the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. The announcement of the ROTY award have been controversial, since the league had been delayed its announcement, the league announced the MVP awards, took home by A’ja Wilson, last Sept. 22nd.
From #1 overall pick to ROTY 👑
Caitlin Clark is your 2024 WNBA @Kia Rookie of the Year!
Clark averaged 19.2 PPG , 5.7 RPG, and led the league with 8.4 APG, becoming the first rookie to ever lead in that category 👏#KiaROY | #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/aNqeGgtXA2
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 3, 2024
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024
Head Coach Christie Sides congratulates Caitlin Clark on being named 2024 @WNBA Rookie of the Year.
“You've worked extremely hard to earn this award.” pic.twitter.com/7xu3g8UlhJ
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024
presenting your 2024 @WNBA Rookie of the Year’s best moments…
starring Caitlin Clark 🎬 pic.twitter.com/8R45mpUmuH
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024
WHAT A YEAR FOR CAITLIN CLARK 👑
THE 2024 WNBA ROY 👏 pic.twitter.com/9pp0VJtm7j
— ESPN (@espn) October 3, 2024
proud teammates ❤️
the squad congratulates Caitlin Clark on winning 2024 @WNBA Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/zTgrdTJhJV
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024
one of the best rookie seasons ever.
Caitlin Clark is the 2024 @WNBA Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/kab63rJQnF
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 3, 2024
History making, record breaking, game changing, and award winning.
Congratulations to the 2024 @WNBA Rookie of The Year, Panini Exclusive Athlete @CaitlinClark22!#WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/XTrbXe5wGy
— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) October 3, 2024
Shams Charania via X (@ShamsCharania);
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has been awarded the Defensive Player of the Year, sources confirm.
Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson received MVP and Connecticut’s DiJonai Carrington won Most Improved Player.
Except for Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson MVP award, WNBA has yet to officially announce this years 2024 WNBA Individual Awards.
It would have been great if A’ja Wilson was also named as the DPOY, since Wilson lead the league in blocks, and top 5 in steal and rebounds.
As for the Rookie of the Year, with all other rookies sideline by the end of the regular season, Caitlin Clark will be the runaway winner for ROY, I was thinking that Cameron Brink could at least make it to a interesting race at the start of the season.
WNBA;
The WNBA delivered its most-watched regular season in 24 years, finished with its highest attendance in 22 years and set records for digital consumption and merchandise sales in 2024.
The Caitlin Clark effect!!!
Connecticut Sun sweeps Indiana Fever, will face Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Semifinals (87 – 81)
ESPN;
Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun were happy to finally close out an opening round series at home in two games.
Thomas had 19 points and 13 assists to help the Sun sweep Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever out of the playoffs with an 87-81 win Wednesday night.
Compared to Game 1, Indiana’s “Big 3” played a much better game; Caitlin Clark scored 25 points and 9 assists, Aliyah Boston had 16 points and 19 rebounds, while Kelsey Mitchell added had 17 points but committed 5 turnovers. But it was Sun’s veteran players who carried the team with five players scoring in double digits points.
Connecticut Sun will now face Minnesota Lynx, who swept the Phoenix Mercury, this Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Target Center, Minneapolis.
Indiana Fever, WNBA;
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was unanimously named the 2024 Associated Press WNBA Rookie of the Year, it was announced today. This recognition follows Clark’s achievement as a four-time WNBA Rookie of the Month, three-time WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week and WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in August. Clark joins Aliyah Boston as the only Fever players to earn AP Rookie of the Year.
Clark was also named to the AP All-WNBA First Team with Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson. AP All-Rookie Team with Kamilla Cardoso, Leonie Fiebich, Rickea Jackson and Angel Reese.
Branden Kaneshiro, writing for The Lead;
The Sun cruised to a 93-69 victory in Game One. Led by a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas and 22 points on 63.6% shooting from DeWanna Bonner, the Sun completely outmatched the Fever.
The offensive firepower was not all that went well for Connecticut in game one. The Sun’s defense was their key to victory on Monday. Connecticut was able to contain Mitchell and Clark to 45% and 23.5% shooting, respectively. If the Sun can replicate their defensive success in game 2 (and the rest of the playoffs) they will be a hard team to beat.
It was not just Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who had a bad Game 1, as a team Indiana Fever shot 27-67, 40.3%!!! from the field and 6-28, that’s a measly 21.4%, from the three-point line, the Fever did manage to reduce their turnover to just 13 TO.
Game 2 will be this Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Keith Jenkins, writing for ESPN;
Here’s a look at Clark’s professional accolades:
▪︎ WNBA rookie single-season scoring record.
▪︎ WNBA single-season record for assists.
▪︎ Set franchise record for most double-doubles in a season with Indiana Fever.
▪︎ Set franchise record for most three-pointers in a season with Indiana Fever.
▪︎ First WNBA rookie to record two triple-doubles.
▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for three-pointers.
▪︎ WNBA single-season rookie record for assists.
▪︎ WNBA single-season turnover record.
▪︎ Most assists by a rookie in WNBA All-Star Game history (10).
▪︎ WNBA Rookie of the Month for July.
▪︎ WNBA single-game record for assists (19).
▪︎ First triple-double by a rookie in WNBA history and first triple-double in Fever history.
▪︎ Ninth rookie to be named a WNBA All-Star starter.
▪︎ Only player with more than 700,000 votes for the WNBA All-Star Game.
▪︎ Fastest player to reach 350 points and 150 assists to start a WNBA season (regardless of years in the league).
▪︎ Twenty points, three assists, two steals and 10 turnovers in her WNBA debut on May 14.
▪︎ No. 1 overall pick by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA draft on April 15.
Calling Caitlin Clark’s rookie season “LEGENDARY” would be an understatement.
Caitlin Clark breaks WNBA single-season assists record then set the WNBA rookie season scoring record in a span of 24 hours
Rookie star Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record Friday night in the Indiana Fever’s 78-74 loss to the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
Clark recorded her 317th assist of the season at the 4:55 mark of the second quarter when Kelsey Mitchell took her pass and scored on a drive. The rookie passed Alyssa Thomas’ 316 dimes from last season. Clark finished the game with nine assists, giving her 321 assists on the season.
This was in a loss against the Las Vegas Aces, where Aces’ A’ja Wilson set a record for points scored in a season.
Then after 24 hours.
Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark recalls Seimone Augustus being the first WNBA player she ever met when she went to a Minnesota Lynx game as a child.
On Sunday, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, previously held by Augustus, and called it a full-circle moment.
“I got my picture with her on my dad’s little phone — it was maybe like a BlackBerry back in the day,” Clark said after Indiana’s 110-109 win over Dallas. “I vividly remember it. I was always a fan of her game and the way she could shoot the ball.”
Clark now has 761 points in 39 games, so there is the caveat that Augustus — who will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in October — set her mark of 744 points in 2006, when the WNBA season was 34 games.
For context, Clark set the WNBA rookie season scoring record, while Seimone Augustus set the rookie scoring record when WNBA season was only 34 games a season.
ESPN WNBA;
A’ja Wilson became the WNBA’s single-season scoring leader and finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 86-75 on Wednesday night for their 14th straight win in the series.
Wilson passed Jewell Loyd’s total of 939 points on a jumper from the free-throw line with 26.4 seconds left before halftime. Wilson needed just 35 games to top last year’s record by Loyd, who needed 38 games. Wilson’s previous high was 912 points, set in 40 games last season.
She finished the game with 956 points this season and could potentially be the first player in league history to reach 1,000 in a year.
This is a good measuring stick for the Fever to gauge on how they fare against the best team and facing the best player in the WNBA. Add the shooting woes of Caitlin Clark and foul trouble on Aliyah Boston. Kelsey Mitchell, as always kept them in the game but not enough for them to overcome the 12-point deficit.
Las Vegas Aces is the only team that the Indiana Fever have not beat this season and they will have another chance this Saturday, Sept 14th.
Michael Voepel, ESPN Senior Writer;
The Indiana Fever had their biggest comeback win of the WNBA season Sunday, rallying from a 16-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Dream 104-100 in overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
One heck of a game by Indiana Fever, erasing a 16-point deficit and winning in OT. A monster game from Indiana Fever’s Big 3; Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds, her fifth 25 and 10 game of the season. Aliyah Boston scored a career-high 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and 5 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points.
The scores;
Atlanta Dream 100 – N. Hillmon 5, T. Charles 17, A. Gray 15, J. Canada 17, R. Howard 36, N. Coffey 5, L. Cubaj 2, M. Caldwell 3, H. Jones 0, C. Parker-Tyus DNP, L. Amihere DNP, A. Powers DNP
Indiana Fever 104 – N. Smith 6, A. Boston 30, K. Mitchell 21, L. Hull 12, C. Clark 26, D. Dantas 0, K. Samuelson 0, T. Fagbenle 9, E. Wheeler 0, V. Saxton DNP, K. Wallace DNP, G. Berger DNP
| 1st qtr | 2nd qtr | 3rd qtr | 4th qtr | OT | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlante Dream | 21 | 27 | 21 | 21 | 10 | 100 |
| Indiana Fever | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 14 | 104 |
Napheesa Collier scored nine of her 26 points in the third quarter, Bridget Carleton made three 3-pointers in the final four minutes and the Minnesota Lynx overcame a 25-point night by Caitlin Clark to snap Indiana’s five-game winning streak with a 99-88 win over the Fever on Friday night.
The Indiana Fever are 7 – 3 in their last 10 games, two of those loses are from Minnesota Lynx. This may very well be a playoff preview between Minnesota Lynx (2nd) and Indiana Fever (6th), that is if the Fever are able to go deep in the post season.
Fever’s “Big Three” had a huge game but not enough to get the win.
Caitlin Clark scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists and Aliyah Boston scored 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points.
ESPN;
Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her second career triple-double as the playoff-bound Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 93-86 on Wednesday night.
Clark connected on her second 3 of the game and 100th of the season midway through the third quarter and added two more to reach 102 and finish 4 of 10 from long range. The No. 1 overall draft pick is the first rookie with 100 3s.
Their 6 reaming game will be available against top teams and those who are vying for playoff spot. It’ll be interesting how they will matchup against Lynx and Aces, who are the two of the top teams in the league.
WNBA;
Following losses from the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, the Indiana Fever officially clinched a spot in the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2016 regular season.
The 2024 postseason will be the franchise’s 14th playoff appearance as Indiana reached the playoffs 12 consecutive times from 2005-2016 and made its first postseason appearance in 2002. The 2024 WNBA postseason will begin on Sunday, September 22.
How the playoff works in the WNBA?
The top eight teams regardless of conference will qualify for the playoffs and be seeded based on their record. The first playoff round follows a best-of-three format where the teams are seeded based on their regular-season record. The first-round series games will include a 2-1 format in which the higher seed will host Games 1 and 2 and the lower seed will host Game 3 if necessary. The semifinals and WNBA Finals will each feature a best-of-five series following the 2-2-1 format with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2 and 5, and the lower-seeded team will host Games 3 and 4 in their respective series.
With their current seeding, the Indiana Fever (6th) will face the Minnesota Lynx (3rd) in the first round of the playoffs. But with seven more games remaining, the Fever could end up higher in the standings.
WNBA secures $2.2 Billion Media Rights Deals with the Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video and NBC Universal
The WNBA has secured a groundbreaking 11-year media rights deal with The Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video, and NBC Universal. This partnership will significantly increase the visibility of women’s basketball, with more games broadcast across multiple platforms. The 11-year media rights is reported to be worth $2.2 Billion or $200 million per year.
The new deal will start in 2026, WNBA fans can expect to see over 125 regular season and playoff games each year. Disney will air 25 regular-season games on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, while NBCU will broadcast 50 regular-season games on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. Amazon Prime Video will stream 30 regular-season games globally.
Disney will broadcast two first-round series each year, while NBCU and Prime Video will each air one. The Semifinals and Finals will rotate over the 11-year deal, with Disney airing more Finals and NBCU and Prime Video airing more Semifinals.
It just keeps gettin' better 🤩
We have officially secured a landmark media rights deal with the Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal! https://t.co/NmWQJdR4WK
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 24, 2024
Additionally, Disney platforms will continue to telecast all events from WNBA All-Star, including the All-Star Game, and the WNBA Draft, while Prime Video will continue to stream the Championship Game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase. Prime Video Channels will be the global channels store destination for WNBA League Pass, the WNBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and internationally.
Included in the deals, is the potential for WNBA and Media Partners to review and reevaluate the rights fees after three years, giving the league the chance to receive more money.
Mic’d Up with Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Brittney Griner 🎤
Hear the sounds from last nights WNBA All-Star Game pic.twitter.com/y7Ulz60sa5
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024
This announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking season for the WNBA, with increased viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. The league is also expanding with new teams in San Francisco/Bay Area and Toronto. With the current crop of WNBA rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, and with the influx of generational talent from the college ranks like Paige Bueckers and Juju Watkins, that $2.2 Billion could be a very good deal.
WNBA has announced the 2024 WNBA All-Stars Roster that will face the USA Women’s National Team this coming July 20th, which is one of the main event for the coming WNBA All Star in Phoenix.
The are rookie phenom Caitlin Clark (Indiana) with 700,735 votes, followed by her teammate Aliyah Boston with 618,680 votes, then A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas) with 607,300 and NY Liberty star Breanna Stewart with 424,135 votes. To complete the top 5 fan vote-getters we have Chicago rookie Angel Reese with 381,518 votes.
Here’s the rest of the WNBA All-Stars Roster;
| PLAYER | TEAM | POSITION |
|---|---|---|
| Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever | Frontcourt |
| Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | Backcourt |
| Angel Reese^ | Chicago Sky | Frontcourt |
| Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | Backcourt |
| Brionna Jones | Connecticut Sun | Frontcourt |
| Caitlin Clark^ | Indiana Fever | Backcourt |
| Dearica Hamby | Los Angeles Sparks | Frontcourt |
| DeWanna Bonner | Connecticut Sun | Frontcourt |
| Jonquel Jones | New York Liberty | Frontcourt |
| Kayla McBride | Minnesota Lynx | Backcourt |
| Kelsey Mitchell | Indiana Fever | Backcourt |
| Nneka Ogwumike | Seattle Storm | Frontcourt |
The countdown begins… ⏳
Get ready to witness the ultimate clash of talent as #WNBAAllStar meets the USA Women's National Team on July 20th at 8:30pm/ET on ABC 📺 pic.twitter.com/oEyJciHmEx
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 3, 2024
Aside from the WNBA All Star vs USA Women’s National Team, other events at the WNBA All Star are; 3-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge. The league has yet to announced the participants to these events. Last year, Sabrina Ionescu won the 3-Point Contest, while team mate Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray won the Skills Challenge.
Source: WNBA
After being leaked a couple of days ago, the official roster for the Team USA Women’s Basketball for 2024 Paris Olympics have been officially announced.
The next chapter in The Greatest Dynasty Ever.
The 2024 USA Women's National Team is here.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT x #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/BdDki5De5O
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) June 11, 2024
As previously leaked and now official, below are the official roster of Team USA Women’s Basketball for 2024 Paris Olympics;
| Player | WNBA Team | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | Forward |
| Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | Guard/Forward |
| Chelsea Gray | Las Vegas Aces | Guard |
| Brittney Griner | Phoenix Mercury | Center |
| Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | Guard |
| Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm | Guard |
| Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | Guard |
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | Forward |
| Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | Guard |
| Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut Sun | Forward |
| A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | Forward/Center |
| Jackie Young | Las Vegas Aces | Guard/Forward |
USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve with the assistance of Kara Lawson, Joni Taylor and Mike Thibault.
Here is what USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee chair Jen Rizzotti said in the official statement;
“On behalf of USA Basketball, I’m excited to announce the 2024 USA Women’s National Team, We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris. Basketball in the United States boasts unparalleled depth, making this a challenging and competitive process. The commitment these athletes have shown to USA Basketball is unmatched and I look forward to watching them take on the World in Paris.”
This is what USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve said regarding the roster;
“This roster features some of the best basketball talent our country has to offer and I’m excited to lead this team with the goal of winning an eighth straight Olympic gold medal in Paris, I’m looking forward to getting together in Phoenix and starting the journey to Paris.”