WNBA rising star Caitlin Clark wasn’t far from the hardwood on Saturday, showing her support for her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, during Butler’s nail-biting game against UConn. McCaffery, a first-year assistant coach for the Bulldogs, watched as his team narrowly fell to the defending national champions in a 79-74 thriller at home in Indianapolis.
Clark, 22, who recently wrapped up an electrifying rookie season with the Indiana Fever and earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, was spotted in the stands donning a light blue Butler cap.
Her presence underscored her commitment to supporting McCaffery, who joined Butler’s coaching staff in September after a distinguished career as a player at Iowa and a stint with the Indiana Pacers as a basketball development coordinator.
Though the Bulldogs dropped to 7-6 on the season and 0-2 in Big East play, Clark appeared fully invested in the game.
At one point during the broadcast, however, fans speculated she might have been multitasking. Cameras caught Clark glancing down at her phone, prompting one fan on X (formerly Twitter) to quip, “Probably checking that Chiefs score during the break.”
A lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, Clark likely had plenty to celebrate as the reigning Super Bowl champions secured a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans that same afternoon, improving their record to a league-best 14-1.
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A Love Rooted in Basketball
Clark and McCaffery’s relationship has been marked by mutual support and a shared passion for the game. The couple began dating in 2023 and celebrated their one-year anniversary in April. Clark shared a heartfelt Instagram post at the time, writing, “One year of the best mems w my fav person. You make every day better, and I can’t wait for many more adventures together… love you.”
McCaffery, the son of Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, had an impressive collegiate career as a guard-forward for the Hawkeyes, balancing athletics with academics to earn multiple accolades. Following his time at Iowa, he joined the Pacers’ staff, where he gained valuable experience that led him to his current role under Butler head coach Thad Matta.
“Following a high-level playing career, Connor has had the opportunity to both contribute and learn alongside one of the best staffs in the NBA,” Matta said in a statement when announcing McCaffery’s hiring. “Those experiences will be very valuable to our staff. He obviously comes from a basketball family that I know very well, and I’m excited for the impact he is going to have on our program both quickly and in the long run.”
Clark’s Stellar Rookie Season
Meanwhile, Clark has been making waves in the WNBA after a record-breaking college career at Iowa. Selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she quickly established herself as one of the league’s brightest young talents.
Her rookie season was a masterclass in offensive firepower, earning her All-WNBA First Team honors and leading the Fever to the playoffs for the first time in years.
McCaffery was by Clark’s side during her draft night, celebrating her monumental achievement and offering his unwavering support. The couple’s shared connection to basketball has made them one of sports’ most admired young power couples.
Looking Ahead
While McCaffery and Butler continue to navigate the challenges of Big East play, Clark is gearing up for her second WNBA season with high expectations. The couple remains steadfast in their support for one another, balancing their demanding careers with their personal lives.
As Clark continues to dominate on the court and McCaffery finds his footing in the coaching world, fans can expect to see more of this dynamic duo cheering each other on from the sidelines—whether it’s at a Butler game, a Fever matchup, or a Chiefs playoff run.
