Megan Rapinoe, the celebrated former star of the US Women’s National Soccer Team, expressed her admiration for WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark during her remarks at the Business of Women’s Sports Summit in New York.
While she lauded Clark’s impact and the WNBA’s increasing prominence, Rapinoe also emphasized the legacy of past women’s sports icons.
“Being at the Final Four was incredible. It felt like it was what the game deserved and what fans of women’s sports really deserved, largely because Caitlin is standing on the shoulders of legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Dawn Staley, and Lisa Leslie,” Rapinoe explained, highlighting the foundational role these athletes have played in advancing women’s sports.
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Rapinoe pointed out that the WNBA, now in its 28th year, serves as a model for other women’s leagues but often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves as a pioneering professional sports league.
In discussing the broader contributions to women’s basketball, Rapinoe also noted the significant influence of coach Dawn Staley and her remarkable undefeated season with South Carolina. “It’s so much more than Caitlin, though. The story around Dawn Staley and her game is huge. She’s not slowing down. It’s only because of Caitlin’s exceptional performances that other narratives like Dawn’s aren’t dominating the headlines,” Rapinoe said.
Despite the broader context, Rapinoe affirmed her excitement for Clark’s burgeoning career, revealing her plans to attend games in Seattle and New York to support the WNBA star. “You gotta capture the moment, and my God, she has,” Rapinoe stated enthusiastically.
Caitlin Clark’s impact is also reflected in her merchandise sales. Following her selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft, Clark’s jersey quickly became the top-selling jersey ever for a draft pick. According to Fanatics, the initial stock of her No. 22 jersey sold out, though pre-orders for the next batch are available.
Clark’s record-breaking jersey sales are indicative of her significant draw, and she’s not the only rookie making waves. Angel Reese, picked seventh overall by the Chicago Sky, also saw her jersey flying off the shelves, highlighting the growing market appeal of WNBA stars.
